White House official: Russia has yet to answer for the operation "Spiderweb"
According to the anonymous White House official, who spoke to Reuters, the Russian response to the Ukrainian operation "Spiderweb" has not "happened yet in earnest." The official believes additionally that the counter-attacks are" likely to be a significant, multi-pronged strike."
According to the official, despite the Friday's Russian attack on Ukraine, Kyiv administration should expect more strikes, however, the timing of the retaliation is "unclear." The official claims that it may happen "within days."
Additionally, another official admitted to Reuters, that the Russian answer will probably be carried out by including "different kinds of air capabilities, including missiles and drones." The speakers, however did not elaborate on the expected targets or intelligence matters.
As Reuters claims, the first official expects the counterstrike to be "asymmetrical." It means, that the strikes will not mirror Ukrainian's strikes against Russian warplanes.
"A Western diplomatic source said that while Russia's response may have started, it would likely intensify with strikes against symbolic Ukrainian targets like government buildings, in an effort to send a clear message to Kyiv," adds Reuters.
Michael Kofman of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said Moscow could target the SBU to send a message. According to his suggestion, Russia may retaliate against Ukraine’s domestic intelligence agency following a recent cross-border attack. He also added that such a strike might involve the use of intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
Operation "Spiderweb"
During the operation "Spiderweb", Ukrainian intelligence employed 117 crewless aerial vehicles launched deep from within Russian territory. Around 20 Russian warplanes were damaged, with 10 being destroyed. According to President Zelensky, the preparation for the mission lasted around a year and a half.
President Donald Trump reported after his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, that he was informed Russia would respond to Ukraine.