Ukraine's operation "Spiderweb" devastates key Russian air bases
The Ukrainian operation "Spiderweb" has successfully targeted Russian air bases, significantly curtailing their capability to launch attacks on Ukraine, according to expert Valeriy Romanenko, as reported by the Ukrainian agency Unian. He highlights that, currently, Russia has just one base to relocate its bombers, which is situated approximately 3,700 miles away from the Ukrainian border.
The operation "Spiderweb," conducted on June 1, 2025, resulted in the destruction or damage of at least eight strategic bombers, as detailed by Unian.
Russia loses key bases
Following the drone attacks, Russia is left with only one airbase for relocating its bombers, specifically the "Ukrainka" base in the Amur region. Expert Valeriy Romanenko emphasizes that relocating to this base hampers Russia's ability to conduct regular attacks on Ukraine, mainly because the base is approximately 3,700 miles from Ukraine's border.
Limited strategic capabilities
Romanenko notes that the "Ukrainka" base is one of the largest airports in Russia, hosting the 182nd Strategic Bombers Regiment with Tu-95MS aircraft. Relocating the bombers there means their range won't allow for a return after conducting an attack on Ukraine.
Reduced threat to Ukraine
The expert adds that Russia currently possesses few operational bombers, limiting its capacity for strategic attacks. The frequency of air raids seen in previous years will no longer be achievable.
Russia's constrained capabilities may necessitate a revision of its military strategy. Transferring bombers to "Ukrainka" could mean ceasing regular attacks on Ukraine.
For clarity, the Tu-95MS stationed in the Amur region are among the oldest yet still effective components of the Russian air arsenal. Despite being in service for over seven decades, they remain a potent platform for carrying a variety of payloads. These aircraft can transport up to 44,000 pounds of armament, including cruise missiles like the Kh-101, which have a range of up to 2,800 miles, as well as conventional and nuclear bombs.
One of the defining features of these bombers is their impressive range, approximately 6,500 miles without aerial refueling. Powered by four NK-12 turboprop engines, these robust Russian aircraft can achieve maximum speeds exceeding 500 mph.
