No one cares if Russia is angry after Spiderweb drone strike — Zelenskyy
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine's attack on Russian airfields has reduced Russia's military potential. At the same time, Moscow's anger over the operation doesn't concern anyone, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a conversation with journalists.
Operation outcome
According to the president, this special operation allowed Ukraine to demonstrate its capabilities. He stated that Russia's narrative about winning the war no longer works.
He reminded that during yesterday's attack, Ukrainian drones hit more than 40 targets — aircraft used to strike Ukraine, which have claimed many lives.
"I saw the mood today among the Nine (the Bucharest Nine – ed.) and other countries. Everyone believes that Ukraine has demonstrated its strength, that not everything depends on the number of people Russia is willing to sacrifice and kill — its own people, its own citizens," the head of state said.
He noted that everything depends on will, truth, values, technology, and support.
"We have constantly emphasized that we have several agreements and that we lack equipment. We are asking for internal funding. These are not operations on the territory of Russia, these are military targets on the territory of Russia, military targets from which attacks on Ukraine are launched, as well as military targets in temporarily occupied territories," Zelenskyy pointed out.
He said that Ukraine had already conducted several operations. During one of them, 400 drones simultaneously attacked Russian military equipment. Forty units of enemy equipment were also destroyed: artillery, air defense systems, and armored vehicles. That operation was prepared over the course of three months.
"We don't want to show our strength, but we are showing it because the enemy refuses to stop. And we are showing it fairly — at military targets. And we are also showing it to our allies, who were strong supporters but began to doubt. Trust in Ukrainians and faith in Ukraine have returned. I believe the result of the operation is very good," Zelenskyy said.
Russia's reaction
The head of state noted that Ukraine's Spiderweb operation significantly reduces Russia's potential and shows Russians that Ukraine is working on such measures.
"And if they don't stop, we will continue," the president warned.
Zelenskyy added that the airfield strike restored faith in Ukraine and renewed confidence among international partners.
In response to a question about whether Russia might become angry, Zelenskyy pointed out that the night before the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) special operation, Russia had launched more than 480 drones at Ukraine, resulting in deaths and injuries.
"So no one cares if Russia is angry. Russia must move toward ending the war. The whole world must at least try to stop it," he stressed.
Zelenskyy also added that he is still waiting for strong steps from US President Donald Trump that would force Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war or at least agree to a ceasefire.
SBU special operation
On June 1, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) carried out a drone strike on Russian airfields.
SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk reported that 41 Russian aircraft were hit in the attack — most of them strategic bombers.
