Inside Ukraine’s SBU Drone Strike on Five Russian Airfields
Today, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) executed one of the most extraordinary special operations in military history. Codenamed “Pavutyna” (Web), the strike targeted five Russian military airfields located deep in the enemy’s rear — thousands of kilometers from the Ukrainian frontlines. Using truck-launched long-range drones, the operation marked a turning point in drone warfare and signaled a blunt message: nowhere in Russia is safe.
According Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the operation was personally overseen by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and carried out by SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk along with the agency’s team.
Maria Avdeeva, Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, stated:
“Ukraine secretly delivered FPV drones and wooden mobile cabins into Russia. The drones were hidden under the roofs of the cabins, which were later mounted on trucks. At the signal, the roofs opened remotely. Dozens of drones launched directly from the trucks, striking strategic bomber aircraft. Russia can’t produce these bombers anymore. The loss is massive.”
The Russian airfields—Belaya, Dyagilevo, Olenya, Ivanovo, and Ukrainka. This wasn’t symbolic. It was strategic decapitation.
- 1. Belaya Airfield (Irkutsk Region, Siberia)
Located over 4,300 km from Ukrainian territory, Belaya houses Tu-95 strategic bombers and An-12 transports. It has long been considered untouchable due to its extreme distance. That illusion ended on June 1.
Footage released by the SBU and verified by open-source analysts showed thick plumes of smoke rising from bombers on fire. According to Ukrainian sources, four Tu-95s and one An-12 were damaged. Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev vaguely acknowledged an “incident” at a military unit. Ukrainian operatives reportedly used custom trucks with hidden drone launch compartments to bypass detection.
Unverified claims emerged online suggesting that locals, unaware of the operation, killed a truck driver. No credible outlet has confirmed this, and the SBU maintains all operatives returned safely.
- 2. Dyagilevo Airfield (Ryazan Region)
Dyagilevo is no stranger to Ukrainian attacks—previously hit in 2022 and 2024. The base stores Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3, Il-78 tankers, and houses a repair facility vital to Russia’s aerial logistics.
This latest strike likely originated from within Russian territory using truck-launched FPV drones with extended range. The SBU reported hits on multiple bombers, though Russian sources downplayed the impact. Regardless, the strike further exposed the vulnerabilities of Russia’s most important air hubs—even those near Moscow.
- 3. Olenya Airfield (Murmansk Region)
Located near the Arctic Circle and NATO’s northern flank, Olenya is a nuclear-capable bomber base housing Tu-22M3s. It was previously struck in 2024, and this latest assault confirms Ukraine’s growing ability to reach the far north.
Murmansk’s governor admitted to an attack but denied serious damage. SBU-released images tell a different story—burned airframes and blackened snow. Olenya’s isolation once made it feel secure. Not anymore.
- 4. Ivanovo Airfield (Ivanovo Region)
Though lesser known, Ivanovo plays a support role in Russia’s aerial operations. Its inclusion in the operation, however, is telling: Ukraine sought to stretch Russia’s defenses over thousands of kilometers, and succeeded. Ukraine has damaged a legendary A-50 spy plane, leaving Russia with none remaining.
- 5. Fifth Target: Ukrainka Airfield (Amur Region)
Ukrainka is the base has been a cornerstone of Russia’s Long Range Aviation, primarily hosting nuclear-capable bombers such as the Tupolev Tu-95MS. It serves as the home for the 79th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment and the 182nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment, both integral parts of the 326th Heavy Bomber Aviation Division.
The strategic importance of Ukrainka Air Base lies in its role within Russia’s nuclear triad, providing a platform for long-range bombers capable of delivering cruise missiles. Its location in the Russian Far East enables operations over vast distances, although recent events have highlighted vulnerabilities in its defense mechanisms.
Tactical Innovation: Truck-Launched Long-Range Drones
This operation showcased Ukrainian drones capable of 3,000+ km range, launched not from Ukraine but from inside Russia, using modified civilian trucks with concealed hatches. These drones likely evaded Russian air defense systems—S-400s and Pantsir-S1s—which are optimized for high-altitude threats, not low-flying FPVs.
Strategic and Political Impact
With talks on a potential ceasefire scheduled for June 2, Ukraine’s message is clear: it will not negotiate from a position of weakness. While Russia masks its losses and spreads disinformation—such as the rumored killing of a truck driver—the evidence of destroyed aircraft tells the real story.
