Zelenskyy announces new defense packages and drone funding after Vilnius summit
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
In the near future, Ukraine will receive new defense aid packages from its partners. There will also be new investments in the production of Ukrainian weapons, particularly drones, stated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference after the Bucharest Nine summit in Vilnius.
According to Zelenskyy, he discussed the operation Spiderweb of the Security Service of Ukraine with foreign leaders.
The head of state emphasized that the operation demonstrated what modern warfare looks like and why staying ahead in technology is crucial.
He noted that all joint investments in drone production, all joint experience on the battlefield, and joint efforts with partners strengthen Europe. Zelenskyy said that Ukraine and its partners had agreed on several joint decisions that will further enhance security. He expressed gratitude for their readiness to assist and confirmed that new defense aid packages and investments in Ukrainian weapons production, especially drones, are coming.
Operation Spiderweb
On June 1, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) conducted Operation Spiderweb, which had been in planning for over a year and a half.
During the operation, SBU drones attacked several Russian airbases simultaneously. The UAVs struck four military bases: Belaya, Dyagilevo, Olenya, and Ivanovo.
According to SBU Chief Vasyl Malyuk, the drone strikes damaged 41 Russian strategic aircraft, including A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 models.
In total, the operation resulted in damage to 34% of Russia's strategic cruise missile carriers based at main airfields. The estimated value of the destroyed strategic aviation assets is approximately $7 billion.
