Ukraine hit Russian bombers at peak readiness, Estonia says
Tu-95 bombers (illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The Russian Tu-95 supersonic strategic bombers that were damaged or destroyed during Ukraine's Security Service operation Spiderweb were preparing to launch strikes on Ukrainian cities, according to Colonel Ants Kiviselg, head of the Estonian Defense Forces Intelligence Center, speaking at a press conference.
"The damaged aircraft were preparing for combat missions. This means the strike targeted Russia's strategic aviation at its highest state of combat readiness. Restoring that capability will require significant additional resources from Russia. Above all, it will force Moscow to strengthen internal security and protective measures for its forces," he explained.
Kiviselg added that the successful Ukrainian Security Service operation deep inside Russia's most remote regions sent a powerful message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Estonian intelligence chief believes this could compel Moscow to engage in genuine peace negotiations.
Commenting on Russia's latest attack on Ukraine — involving 407 strike drones and 44 missiles — Kiviselg noted that this is the maximum the Russian military is currently capable of.
Operation Spiderweb
On June 1, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) carried out a large-scale operation called Spiderweb, in which several Russian military airfields — Belaya, Dyagilevo, Olenya, and Ivanovo — were attacked using drones. As a result, 41 aircraft from Russia's strategic aviation fleet were destroyed or damaged.
According to the SBU, the total damage inflicted on Russia amounts to $7 billion. It was specified that 34% of Russia's strategic cruise missile carriers were hit.
Satellite imagery confirmed that Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers — which Russia has used to launch missile strikes against Ukraine — sustained damage during the operation.
More details on the operation are available in the full report by RBC-Ukraine.
