Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb Hits Over 40 Russian Bombers Amid Deadly Drone Strikes

Between June 4 and June 6, 2025, Ukraine launched Operation Spiderweb, a large-scale drone attack damaging more than 40 Russian strategic bombers, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 models, at multiple airbases deep inside Russia. In retaliation, Russia executed one of its largest coordinated drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, resulting in at least four fatalities and significant damage. Diplomatic efforts in Istanbul failed to yield an unconditional ceasefire, though both sides agreed to partial prisoner exchanges. The conflict’s military escalation coincided with symbolic international support for Ukraine and renewed calls for NATO to increase defense spending amid concerns over Russia’s military buildup.

Background & Context

The ongoing Russia Ukraine war, which escalated following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, has involved a combination of traditional and hybrid warfare tactics, including drone strikes, missile attacks, and cyber operations. The conflict has caused widespread humanitarian suffering, targeting critical infrastructure such as the Crimean Bridge—a key logistics route connecting Russia to Crimea. International diplomatic efforts, led primarily by Turkey, continue to seek peace despite major challenges stemming from conflicting positions on ceasefire terms and territorial disputes.

In response to the conflict, NATO and its member states have increased military aid to Ukraine and emphasized the need for higher defense spending given concerns over Russian military capabilities and the ongoing nuclear threat. Direct peace negotiations resumed in Istanbul in May 2025, resulting in prisoner exchanges but failing to achieve a ceasefire. Subsequent talks hinge on the negotiation and acceptance of ceasefire terms, with Turkey maintaining its role as mediator amid persistent hostilities. Public support for Ukraine remains strong worldwide, even as Russian media persist in disinformation campaigns, while European political landscapes face pressures relating to defense commitments and migration policies amidst the humanitarian crisis.

Key Developments & Timeline

The Russia Ukraine war escalated with major military strikes and fragile diplomatic engagements in late May and early June 2025, amid rising Russia NATO tensions and international calls for increased defense preparedness.

May 25–26, 2025: Russia launched a record number of coordinated drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, including a deadly strike on Kyiv. Concurrently, prisoner exchanges continued as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
May 29, 2025: Russia proposed a new round of peace talks in Istanbul, scheduled for June 2, seeking to revive dialogue between the conflicting parties.
June 1, 2025: Ukraine executed Operation Spiderweb, a large-scale drone assault that damaged over 40 Russian strategic bombers stationed deep inside Russia, marking a significant escalation in cross-border capabilities.
June 2, 2025: The second round of Istanbul peace talks took place, producing limited progress. Russia rejected calls for an unconditional ceasefire, while prisoner exchanges remained a key point of negotiation.
June 3, 2025: Ukraine carried out an underwater explosive attack that critically damaged a pillar of the Crimean Bridge (Kerch Bridge), temporarily halting traffic and disrupting a vital Russian supply route. Russia accused Ukraine of terrorism following additional railway bridge attacks causing civilian casualties.
June 4, 2025: Continued evacuations were ordered near frontline areas, including Sumy, amid intensified shelling by Russian forces. Kyiv called for stronger international sanctions against Russia.
June 5, 2025: NATO member states were urged to increase defense spending to counter Russia’s rapid military buildup. Dutch Queen Maxima symbolized solidarity with Ukraine by presenting a bell made from Russian weapons to the Czech Republic. The US confirmed its ongoing support but warned of risks associated with escalation.
June 6, 2025: Following Ukraine’s drone strikes, Russia launched a massive drone and missile barrage against Kyiv, causing further casualties and infrastructure damage, intensifying the conflict’s humanitarian toll.

This period underscores the ongoing intensity of advanced Russian missile attacks and hybrid warfare tactics alongside fragile peace talks. The international community remains deeply concerned about nuclear risks and the question of whether will Russia use nuclear weapons in Ukraine as diplomatic and military pressures persist in this protracted conflict.

Official Statements & Analysis

Between June 4 and June 6, 2025, the Russia Ukraine war saw heightened military escalation alongside stalled diplomatic efforts. Ukraine executed Operation Spiderweb, an advanced large-scale drone attack that damaged over 40 Russian strategic bombers, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 models, deep inside Russian territory. This highly sophisticated operation involved smuggling drones inside containers on trucks to bypass defenses. At the same time, Russia retaliated with one of its largest coordinated drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, resulting in civilian casualties and extensive infrastructural damage. The Russian Defense Ministry reported fires from the assaults but no casualties. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte highlighted Russia’s rapid rearmament, noting that Russia produces four times more ammunition than NATO countries combined within three months.

Diplomatic talks in Istanbul showed little progress as Russia rejected unconditional ceasefire offers, while Ukraine pressed for enhanced sanctions and continued negotiations. Turkish President Erdogan stressed the ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating, “We are using all our diplomatic power and potential for peace.” Symbolic international support manifested when Dutch Queen Maxima presented the Czech Republic with a bell cast from seized Russian weapons, reinforcing solidarity with Ukraine. These developments underscore the conflict’s complexity involving hybrid warfare, humanitarian crises, nuclear safety risks, and economic impacts. Preparedness for missile and drone strikes, access to reliable information, and adaptive strategies remain critical amid volatile geopolitical tensions and continued fighting.

Conclusion

The Russia Ukraine war remains intensely volatile, marked by Ukraine’s strategic drone strikes damaging key Russian military assets deep inside Russian territory and Russia’s large-scale missile and drone retaliation impacting Ukrainian cities. Despite ongoing peace talks in Istanbul, breakthrough remains elusive as Russia rejects unconditional ceasefire offers and Ukraine pushes for stronger sanctions and diplomacy. NATO members face mounting pressure to enhance defense spending amid concerns over Russian military modernization. As the conflict endures, nuclear safety, humanitarian crises, and geopolitical tensions continue to pose significant global challenges requiring sustained international collaboration and vigilance.

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