Full scale of Op Spiderweb devastation laid bare as satellite pix show prized Putin jets in RUINS after $7bn drone blitz
Advertisement
8
Shadows of scorched earth are all that remain on Putin's bombers at this airfield
Credit: @AirbusDefence
8
This bomber was smashed to smithereens by the cheap Ukrainian drones
Credit: AFP
8
The Belaya airfield bares the scars of the drone blitz
Credit: @Planet and @AirbusDefence
8
Stunning satellite photos show patches of scorched
earth
where valuable Russian jets one lay.
The debris has been hastily swept away - perhaps an attempt to conceal the scale of the destruction.
Elsewhere, wreckages of warplanes blown to pieces remain on the tarmac, with fragments strewn across the runway.
he most daring raids of the
WW2
that turned the tide against the
Nazis
.
Advertisement
read more in world news
Volodymyr Zelensky
oversaw the operation and said:
"It's genuinely satisfying when something I authorized a year and six months ago comes to fruition and deprives Russians of over forty units of strategic aviation.
"We will continue this work."
Putin's
doomsday bomber
fleet was crippled with 41 - a third of the total - of his most prized aircraft lying in smouldering wrecks on tarmac.
Ukraine
said the sneak attack was worth $7bn (£5.2bn) in damage to
Russia
- caused by just 117 cheaply made
drones
.
Advertisement
Most read in The US Sun
Following the humiliating and costly blow, Putin's stooges came out and
Desperate to save face, Russian war bloggers named the man they
believe was pulling the leavers as
Artem Timofeev.
Dramatic moment Putin's 'war hero' who led slaughter of Mariupol is killed in mysterious suicide bomb attack
Artem, 37, is a former
Ukrainian
DJ.
Putin's
sleuths think they have identified that he owned the lorries used to carry the containers to the
strikes
.
Advertisement
Alleged drivers who transported the crates and were tracked down by the bloggers all had similar stories about taking instruction from an "Artem", the
.
They appeared to have thought they were transporting wooden frame houses, but instead they moved kamikaze drones into strike position.
8
Ukraine hit bombers at the Russian Belaya Air Base in Irkutsk
Credit: East2West
8
Ukraine released photos of the drones in the crates taken from inside Russia
Credit: Unpixs
Advertisement
8
A still from first-person-footage of the drone blasts
Credit: Ukrainian Armed Forces
The drones and the containers were smuggled into Russia and then pieced together right under
Vlad's
nose.
Clueless lorry drivers then parked the containers
next
to Russian airbases - where they sat and waited in plain sight.
Zelensky said the drivers were led far away from their vehicles - as Ukraine looked to hide those involved being captured and interrogated the FSB.
Advertisement
Then, on the morning of June 1, the fleet of flying bombs rose over the far reaches of Russia - and the most daring military operation of the war began.
Nondescript shipping containers parked in laybys and verges had attracted little attention - before their lids blew open and the drone swarms poured out.
Russian civilians stood in awe as they saw the drones zoom out of the containers and head in the direction of the airbase.
The craft buzzed as they took off into the air and only had to travel a short distance to their valuable targets.
Advertisement
Each of the 117 drones had their own dedicated pilot and Russia had little defences to protect their bases and stop them.
One hapless Russian soldier stationed at an air base recorded himself standing just meters from several burning wrecks.
8
Russian Belaya Air Base in Irkutsk region, Siberia, was ablaze
Credit: East2West
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Influencers arrested after posting TikTok video posing in front of flaming Russian plant after Ukrainian strike
TikTokers Dasha Vladimirovna, 21, and Karina Evgenyevna, 19, were filmed rapping in front of the burning facility RISKING VLAD'S FURY Influencers arrested after posting TikTok video posing in front of flaming Russian plant after Ukrainian strike TWO influencers have been arrested after posting a TikTok posing in front of a flaming Russian plant following a Ukrainian strike. A drone dramatically exploded the military-linked Rosneft-Kubannefteprodukt oil depot in Sochi. Advertisement 9 Russian influencers Dasha, 21, and Karina, 19, filmed rapping in front of burning oil depot hit by a Ukrainian drone in Sochi now face a police probe Credit: East2West 9 The pair posted the video online Credit: East2West 9 A police bulletin circulated in Sochi calls for the public to help locate two young women filmed rapping in front of a burning oil depot Credit: East2West 9 Ukrainian drones hit Rosneft oil depot in Sochi, sparking massive fire and explosions near airport Credit: East2West TikTokers Dasha Vladimirovna, 21, and Karina Evgenyevna, 19, were filmed rapping in front of the burning facility. They are captured in footage glorying in the Ukrainian strike which Putin's air defences failed to prevent. The video was posted to a track Crimson Dawn by singer Endshpil, a Russian rapper. Dasha and Karina were also with a man - but it was unclear if he had been hauled to the police as well. Advertisement A police "wanted" notice only specified the two women. 'During Internet monitoring, a publication was found showing two girls filming a video against the backdrop of a fire in Sochi,' a police statement said before the influencers were identified. It added: "The police have initiated an investigation, measures are being taken to identify the girls, and their actions will be legally assessed." Later it was confirmed the duo had been detained, and there were calls from pro-war outlets for them to issue a public apology over the stunt close to Sochi airport. Advertisement Kremlin moral guardian Yekaterina Mizulina, 40, head of Russia's Safe Internet League, said: 'Young people are filming content against the backdrop of drones flying into Sochi at night. 'I wonder what's wrong with the instinct for self-preservation? Defiant Putin bombs key Kherson bridge as Ukraine strikes back with massive drone strike on Russia's biggest resort 'Don't they understand that this is simply dangerous?' But the real reason for their arrest is the potential glamourising of a Ukrainian strike in Russia's largest resort. Advertisement Moscow takes an increasingly aggressive, extreme stance against social media stunts seen as highlighting Ukraine's successes in the war. A Ukrainian outlet Pravda Gerashchenko mocked: 'Russian zoomers are happy about the burning oil depot in [Sochi] - a new location for selfies. 'Ukrainian defence forces will definitely try to create as many such locations as possible.' The song 'conveys a search for direction, belonging and hope through music and the hip-hop community,' said one source. Advertisement 'It reflects on life's struggles, yearning for freedom, and finding strength and identity through artistic expression.' Russian forces last night bombed a key bridge used to transport military logistics in the Ukrainian frontline city of Kherson. 9 They are captured in footage glorying in the Ukrainian strike which Putin's air defences failed to prevent Credit: East2West 9 The video was posted to a track Crimson Dawn by singer Endshpil, a Russian rapper Credit: East2West Advertisement 9 Ukrainian drones hit Rosneft oil depot in Sochi, sparking massive fire and explosions near airport Credit: East2West Footage shows a Russian airstrike destroying the key road crossing on the Dnipro River after dropping two guided bombs. The attack damaged a bridge connecting the city to the Korabel neighbourhood. A few homes and a high-rise residential building were also damaged, officials said. Advertisement A defiant Vladimir Putin has snubbed peace and is instead steadily increasing his overnight bombing raids - which could soon hit 1,000 a day. Governor Oleksandr Prokudin urged residents of the Korabel district to evacuate, citing complications with logistics and infrastructure. He wrote on Telegram: "As a result of the enemy airstrike, logistics have been complicated. "Because of this, it will be difficult to deliver food and other things for the time being." Advertisement Kherson Oblast, which is just near the Russian-occupied Crimean region, is frequently targeted by the Russians. Kyiv sought revenge by launching a massive drone attack targeting Russia's main resort city of Sochi, where Putin is said to be rebuilding one of his palaces. More than 120 firefighters were trying to extinguish a blaze at an oil depot that was sparked by the drone attack, regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said. A massive fuel tank with a capacity of 2,000 cubic metres was on fire, Russia's RIA news agency reported. Advertisement Some 30 huge explosions led to a massive inferno at the facility close to the main airport often used by the Russian dictator. 9 The moment Putin's army bombs a bridge in Kherson, Ukraine Credit: East2West
The Journal
3 hours ago
- The Journal
Trump hits Brazil and India with hefty tariffs over decisions he doesn't like
LAST UPDATE | 30 Jul THE US PRESIDENT has issued massive blanket tariffs on India and Brazil as Donald Trump falls out with the leaders of two of the largest global economies. Trump this evening announced a 25% tariff and an as-yet unspecified 'penalty' against India in retaliation against it purchasing weapons and energy from Russia. The tariff rate is lower than previously announced, but higher when compared to other Asian countries. India, the world's most populous country, was one of the first major economies to engage the White House in broader trade talks, but negotiations have now collapsed after India's reluctance to fully open its agricultural and other sectors. Speaking this evening, Trump said that while India is a 'friend' of the US, its current tariffs on US exports are 'too high'. He also accused the country of continuing to purchase weapons from Russia, which is continuing its brutal invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Trump has signalled he intends to tighten US pressure on Moscow to halt fighting in Ukraine and negotiate a peace deal. Yesterday, he gave Russian President Vladimir Putin ten days to change course in Ukraine or face new tariffs. Despite the tariff threat, India said it was committed to continuing negotiations on 'a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement'. Tariffs on Brazil and sanctions on judge Elsewhere today, Trump imposed Brazil with 50% tariffs to pressure the country to stop the trial of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of coup charges. Trump has termed the trial a 'witch hunt'. The US this morning also announced sanctions on a judge overseeing the case against Bolsonaro. The Brazillian government said the American decision was 'arbitrary and unjustifiable'. With reporting by AFP 2025 Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Neonatal nurse, 26, ‘filmed herself abusing babies in French hospital and sent sick videos to her boyfriend'
The shocking alleged crimes were brought into the spotlight after videos circulated on TikTok TWISTED MIND Neonatal nurse, 26, 'filmed herself abusing babies in French hospital and sent sick videos to her boyfriend' A NURSE has been charged with child abuse in France after sharing horrifying videos of herself abusing infants with her boyfriend. The 26-year-old neonatal nurse is accused of abusing the babies at the André Grégoire Hospital in the Parisian suburb of Montreuil. 2 Hospital management added that worried mothers had been calling the facility Credit: AFP 2 Protesters are pictured gathering at the hospital following the shocking news Credit: The case that shocked France has sparked outrage in Paris, with protesters storming into the hospital. The woman has been charged with suspected sexual assault on minors and distribution of child abuse images. Meanwhile, her partner has been charged with complicity in the sexual instigation of minors. The nurse reportedly showed up at a police station to confess after several videos appeared on TikTok warning of "a scandal in a hospital in the 93rd arrondissement". She also accused her 28-year-old boyfriend of involvement when she went to the cops earlier this week. The couple allegedly shared the clips of the horrifying crimes with each other. But these videos got leaked onto social media, bringing the appalling acts into the spotlight. Videos began circulating on TikTok claiming "two people who work with infants" were mistreating infants. After these videos went viral online, the nurse reportedly went to the police to report the shocking crimes. The appalling acts are said to have taken place in December 2024 and January 2025. And these clips have viscerally angered many people in France, with protesters making their way to the hospital on Saturday. Furious demonstrators entered the premises and demanded an interview with management, Actu Paris has reported. Families were among those who protested at the hospital. But the demonstrators were peacefully evacuated from the building without their request being granted. Two victims have reportedly been identified following analysis of the videos. The nurse, who has since been suspended from her role, reportedly indicated to cops that she had filmed the abuse and sent it to her partner. Both suspects have appeared before court since being taken into police custody. They have been placed under judicial supervision, despite the prosecution requesting pre-trial detention. An investigation into the events is ongoing. The Grand Paris Nord-Est territorial hospital group said on Friday that "this nurse worked exclusively in the neonatal intensive care unit of the Montreuil hospital", Le Monde has reported. Hospital management added that worried mothers had been calling the facility "even though they had sometimes given birth there a year ago". They said: "The actions of this nurse, if confirmed by the ongoing police investigation, are a serious personal error that the hospital strongly condemns. "They are in no way a collective service practice." The nurse was suspended as a "precautionary measure" pending the investigation. According to the Bobigny prosecutor's office, the appalling acts would have taken place in December 2024 and January 2025. While there had been speculation of a racial dimension to the alleged crime, this has been denied by the prosecutor's office. "There is no racial element in the act," they said.
