Drones Hidden In Remote-Controlled Sheds: How Ukraine's Spider's Web Damaged Russian Warplanes
Last Updated:
Ukraine's most extensive drone attack damaged key Russian military airbases and infrastructure killing seven. The operation hit 41 warplanes and caused $7 billion in damage.
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine sharply ramped up on the eve of peace talks between the two countries. According to reports, Sunday's drone attack was one of the biggest by Ukraine, blowing up a Russian highway bridge over a passenger train and an attack on nuclear-capable bombers deep in Siberia.
At least seven people were killed, while 69 others were injured when the highway bridge was blown up over a passenger train heading to Moscow with 388 people on board.
Later, Ukraine's domestic security agency, the SBU, acknowledged that it carried out the operation, codenamed 'Spider's Web' and said it had caused considerable damage.
According to a Ukrainian security official, the country's secret services were able to attack strategic bomber aircraft at Russian air bases by hiding explosive-laden drones inside the roofs of wooden sheds
The sheds were loaded onto trucks that were driven to the perimeter of the air bases.
The roof panels of the sheds were lifted off by a remotely-activated mechanism, allowing the drones to fly out and begin their attack, news agency Reuters quoted the official as saying, adding that the strikes were conducted on four air bases, and that 41 Russian warplanes were hit.
The operation, according to the Ukrainian security official, was personally overseen by President Zelenskyy and Vasyl Maliuk, head of the SBU domestic intelligence agency.
If confirmed, the strikes would be the most damaging Ukrainian drone attack of the war and would be a significant setback for Moscow.
An SBU statement posted on Telegram messaging app estimated the damage caused by the assaults at $7 billion.
'Thirty-four per cent of strategic cruise missile carriers at the main airfields of the Russian Federation were hit," the SBU said on the Telegram messaging app.
On Telegram, President Zelenskyy expressed delight at the 'absolutely brilliant outcome' of the operation, and called it 'an outcome produced by Ukraine independently".
Zelenskyy also noted that the operation had taken more than a year and a half to prepare.
'This is our longest-range operation," he said.
Speaking shortly afterwards in his nightly video address, the President noted that 117 drones had been used to attack the Russian bases and that Russian forces suffered 'very tangible losses, and justifiably so".
Zelenskyy said the SBU had set up a nerve centre for the operation right next to a regional office of Russia's FSB intelligence service.
All operatives taking part had been brought out of Russia 'on the eve of the operation", he said.
Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
First Published:
June 02, 2025, 07:49 IST
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
31 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Kerch bridge hit by Ukraine with underwater explosives: Why is the Crimean Bridge is so important to Putin?
Why is the Crimean Bridge is so important to Vladimir Putin? Live Events Traffic resumes across Kerch bridge (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) announced on Tuesday that it had carried out an underwater explosive attack on the road and rail bridge connecting Russia to the Crimean peninsula . According to the SBU, the operation involved 1,100 kilograms (2,420 pounds) of explosives, which were detonated early in the morning, damaging the bridge's underwater pillars. The structure is a crucial supply route for Russian military forces operating in Ukraine.A Russian state outlet that regularly reports on the bridge's status confirmed that operations were halted for approximately three hours, from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. local time. While no official explanation for the closure was given, the outlet stated that the bridge had since reopened and was operating Kerch Bridge, spanning 19 kilometers (12 miles) across the Kerch Strait , serves as Russia's only physical link to Crimea and is a vital supply route for Russian forces operating in Ukraine. The Kerch Bridge is strategically important because it links Russia's Krasnodar region with Crimea, which was illegally annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014, according to the Krasnodar Krai region to eastern Crimea, the bridge was opened in 2018 following Russia's annexation of the peninsula in 2014 and was inaugurated by President Vladimir bridge holds administrative, strategic, and symbolic significance for Russia. It provides a direct connection between mainland Russia's transport infrastructure and Crimea, playing a critical role in the logistical support of Russian military operations in the structure comprises separate road and rail sections, both supported by concrete stilts. At the strait's navigable channel—between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov—the bridge features wider spans held aloft by steel arches to allow ship bridge holds immense symbolic significance for Russia. Spanning 12 miles and costing approximately $3.7 billion, it is the longest in Europe and a powerful symbol of Putin's ambition to absorb Ukraine and permanently tether it to its symbolism, the bridge serves a vital logistical role—supplying Crimea with essential goods, military equipment, fuel, and civilian necessities. Russian military convoys have frequently used it to transport vehicles, armor, and fuel in support of their full-scale invasion of has resumed across Crimea's Kerch Bridge, hours after Ukraine said it struck the bridge with underwater explosives, reported BBC. The early morning explosion followed an operation lasting "several months", Kyiv's security service said. Ukraine has attacked the bridge twice before, in 2022 and Monday, a second round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul, Turkey, but concluded without any significant the lack of progress on key issues, both sides agreed to expand their prisoner exchanges, following a large swap involving hundreds of soldiers last and its European allies reiterated their call for an unconditional ceasefire, but Kyiv's negotiators reported that Russia once again rejected the the Russian delegation proposed a temporary truce along the front line, lasting two to three days in specific the talks led to agreements on several humanitarian measures. Both countries committed to repatriating the bodies of 12,000 fallen soldiers and to exchanging all seriously wounded or ill prisoners of war, as well as those under the age of had been low going into the talks. Deep divisions persist over how to end the conflict, and reports of renewed attacks from both sides emerged just hours before negotiations began.(With agency inputs)
Economic Times
33 minutes ago
- Economic Times
gold prices today: Gold price prediction: Why did gold fall after hitting a 4-week high and could it rebound soon amid U.S. dollar strength, trade tensions, and key economic data?
ADVERTISEMENT Why did gold prices fall despite hitting a near-month high? How are U.S. trade tensions influencing gold markets? ADVERTISEMENT What global economic factors are affecting gold demand? ADVERTISEMENT What U.S. data are gold traders watching this week? ADVERTISEMENT How did other precious metals perform? Silver fell by 1.5% to $34.26 an ounce Platinum declined 0.6% to $1,056.70 Palladium, however, bucked the trend and rose 0.5% to $993.63 ADVERTISEMENT FAQs: Gold prices dropped on Tuesday, June 3, after briefly touching a four-week high earlier in the day. The retreat came as the U.S. dollar rebounded, making the precious metal more expensive for foreign investors. Spot gold slipped by 0.7% to $3,356.75 an ounce by 11:25 GMT, following an earlier jump to its highest level since May 8. U.S. gold futures were also down, easing 0.5% to $3, to Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, the slight uptick in the dollar ahead of key U.S. economic data triggered profit-taking after Monday's sharp gains. "Today, the dollar trades a tad stronger... these developments are the main reason why we are seeing some light profit following yesterday's strong gain," Hansen main reason gold prices pulled back is the strengthening of the U.S. dollar. Earlier in the session, the dollar index had hit an over-a-month low, but then reversed course and moved higher. A stronger dollar makes gold, which is priced in dollars, less attractive for international dollar rebound came at a time when investors were also locking in profits after Monday's surge in gold prices, contributing further to the dip. These shifts reflect how sensitive gold is to currency movements and market sentiment, especially during uncertain economic tensions between the United States and China are keeping investors on edge. Market participants are now watching closely for a possible call this week between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This comes just days after Trump accused China of violating an agreement to reduce tariffs and trade Europe, the European Commission has pushed back, stating it will urge the U.S. to lower or eliminate tariffs. However, the U.S. is still moving ahead with plans to double steel and aluminum tariffs to 50%. According to a draft letter seen by Reuters, Washington is also pressing countries to submit revised trade offers by Wednesday to speed up negotiations before a five-week Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) added to the cautious outlook on Tuesday, stating that the global economy is expected to slow to 2.9% growth in 2025 and 2026. This is a downgrade from its earlier projections of 3.1% in 2025 and 3.0% in economic slowdown means investors are paying closer attention to safe-haven assets like gold, although short-term fluctuations—like currency shifts and profit-taking—continue to impact eyes are now on Friday's U.S. non-farm payrolls report, a major indicator of economic health. Alongside this, investors are tuning in to speeches from various Federal Reserve officials, seeking clues on the future path of interest generally performs well in low-interest-rate environments, since it doesn't yield interest. If the Fed signals that rates may stay lower for longer, this could boost gold demand dip in gold wasn't isolated. Other precious metals also felt the pressure:These shifts reflect broader market uncertainty and the influence of both currency and economic trends on precious metals dropped due to a stronger U.S. dollar and investor profit-taking after recent over tariffs and talks between Trump and Xi Jinping is keeping gold prices volatile.
Mint
44 minutes ago
- Mint
Kerch Bridge bombed after blows to Russian rail lines and airbases — What's behind Ukraine's strategy?
Ukraine on Tuesday (June 3) claimed responsibility for the underwater explosion that damaged the Kerch Bridge — the strategic lifeline connecting Russia to occupied Crimea. The move marks a significant escalation in Ukraine's broader campaign to disrupt Russia's military logistics deep within its own territory. Ukraine's latest attack on the Kerch Bridge follows a series of major blows to Russian airbases and railway links. Here's what's behind the strategy. The bridge bombing came just 48 hours after Ukraine launched a sweeping drone assault on four Russian airbases — stretching across the Arctic, Siberia, and the Far East — destroying over 40 military aircraft, including long-range bombers. Around the same time, two key railway bridges collapsed in Russia's Bryansk and Kursk regions, derailing trains and killing at least seven people. Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) described the bridge attack as a 'unique special operation' involving the detonation of 1,100 kilograms of explosives planted on the seabed near the bridge's foundation. The resulting blast damaged a critical support pillar, according to video evidence released by the agency. The operation temporarily halted traffic across the 19-kilometre (12-mile) bridge early Tuesday morning and again in the afternoon. Russian authorities acknowledged the closures but have not disclosed the extent of the damage. The SBU said no civilians were harmed in the operation. Built by Russia after annexing Crimea in 2014, the Kerch Bridge is the Kremlin's main logistical route into occupied southern Ukraine. It supports the movement of troops, ammunition, food, and fuel — particularly into the contested Zaporizhzhia region. Disabling or degrading the bridge not only delays military shipments but also delivers a symbolic blow to Moscow's claim of secure control over Crimea. On June 1, explosions caused two railway bridges in Russia's border regions to collapse, derailing both passenger and freight trains. Seven people were killed and over 100 injured. Russia's Investigative Committee labeled the incidents as 'acts of terrorism' and blamed Ukraine. While Kyiv has not claimed direct responsibility for the bridge collapses, Ukraine's military intelligence (GUR) confirmed that a Russian military freight train carrying food and fuel to Crimea had been targeted. Ukraine's June 1 drone operation was one of the most far-reaching of the war. Drones struck four military airbases across three time zones — an attack that reportedly took more than a year to plan. Ukrainian officials say over 40 warplanes were destroyed, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers capable of launching conventional and nuclear weapons. The string of attacks — targeting airbases, railway lines, and the Crimean bridge — reflects a well-orchestrated plan with multiple objectives: Disrupt logistics: By striking Russia's main transport arteries, Ukraine aims to delay or deny crucial supplies to front-line forces. Erode morale: Attacking deep within Russia exposes the vulnerability of supposedly secure infrastructure. Regain momentum: The strikes could serve as a prelude to future Ukrainian counteroffensives. Pressure for peace: With negotiations stalled, Ukraine may be seeking to strengthen its bargaining position. Though peace talks in Istanbul yielded no breakthrough earlier this week, Ukraine's actions signal that it is not waiting idly. The strikes show a shift from defensive operations to a proactive strategy of deep disruption.
