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International Business Times
6 hours ago
- Politics
- International Business Times
Operation Spiderweb: Swarms of Ukrainian Drones Wipe Out Dozens of Russian Nuclear Bombers in Devastating Surprise Attack on Putin's Airbases
Ukrainian forces have wiped out dozens of Russian military aircraft, including nuclear-capable bombers, in one of the most audacious attacks using "swarms" of drones from the back of trucks targeting air bases far within Russian territory, according to sources in Kyiv. Dubbed 'Operation Spiderweb', Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) carried out the coordinated attacks using first-person-view (FPV) drones hitting 41 of Putin's prized heavy bombers, leaving them in ruins and his forces embarrassed. Two military airbases—Olenya in the Arctic's Murmansk region and Belaya in eastern Siberia—were hit by powerful blasts overnight, with chilling video footage capturing fires burning for hours., a security source told the Kyiv Independent on Sunday. Putin's Bombers in Ruins The drones used in the attack were secretly brought into Russia hidden inside trucks, according to reports. Among the aircraft destroyed in the assault were TU-95 "Bear" nuclear bombers, TU-22 "Backfire" long-range strike bombers, and A-50 "Mainstay" airborne command and control planes. One of the airbases struck was in Siberia's Irkutsk region, nearly 2,500 miles away from Ukraine. Other targets included sites in Murmansk within the Arctic Circle, Ryazan to the southeast of Moscow, and Ivanovo, located northeast of the Russian capital. "Operation Spiderweb," was reportedly in the works for about 18 months and, if verified, could significantly undermine Moscow's ability to carry out long-range missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. "The SBU first transported FPV drones to Russia, and later on the territory of the Russian Federation, the drones were hidden under the roofs of mobile wooden cabins, already placed on trucks," the source claimed. Tensions Reignited Again Olenya Airbase houses Russia's aging fleet of Tu-95 "Bear" bombers, which are used for both conventional missile attacks and are capable of nuclear strikes against Western targets. Reports indicate that several of these aircraft were left unprotected in open areas, despite previous Ukrainian attacks on similar bases. Also engulfed in flames was Belaya airbase, a nuclear facility in the Irkutsk region of eastern Siberia, nearly 2,900 miles from Ukraine. Even more concerning, the strikes have sparked frenzied calls within Russian military circles about the potential use of nuclear weapons. Pro-Kremlin military analyst Vladislav Pozdnyakov said, "Disabling strategic aircraft gives Russia the right to use nuclear weapons. Let me remind you." Russia's nuclear doctrine allows a nuclear retaliation if there is an attack on "critical government or military infrastructure." Specifically, an assault that disrupts the functioning of Russia's nuclear forces and threatens its ability to respond could prompt Putin to authorize a nuclear strike. Ukraine's SBU intelligence service was carrying out a major special operation aimed at destroying Russian bombers, according to reports. Ukrainian media sources claimed that over 40 of Putin's aircraft, including Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and A-50 strategic bombers, were damaged. The estimated cost of the damage inflicted on Russian forces is said to be around $2 billion. One report suggested that the driver of a truck carrying drones for the attack on Olenegorsk in Murmansk "may have known about the cargo." Baza Media reported that the driver has been detained.
New York Post
7 hours ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Ukraine did not give Trump advance notice before obliterating Russian ‘doomsday' nuclear bombers: reports
Ukraine did not give the Trump administration advance notice of its drone strikes deep in Russian territory Sunday that wiped out dozens of nuclear 'doomsday' bombers and other aircraft, according to reports. The daring Ukrainian operation had been in the works for more than a year and entailed a covert operation to smuggle a slew of drones into Russia, but the White House was not given a heads-up that the planned attack was coming, CBS and Axios said, citing sources. The White House did not respond to a Post request for comment Sunday. Advertisement The sneak attack came as Ukrainian negotiators are set to meet with their Russian counterparts in Istanbul on Monday to present their latest offer during peace talks. Trump — who spent his Sunday morning hitting the tees at his Sterling, Va., club with golf ace Bryson DeChambeau — has repeatedly publicly chafed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Their shaky relationship includes their infamous Feb. 28 Oval Office blow-up and the president's occasional social-media posts in which he's blamed the US's traditional ally for the war. Advertisement 3 Footage showed Ukraine's daring drone strike on the Kremlin's aircraft deep in Russian territory. Ukraine's Security Service 3 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been urging allies to ratchet up the pressure on Russia. Getty Images Among the insults hurled during the pair's Feb. 28 public clash was Trump's claim that Ukraine has 'no cards' to play in its campaign to stave off Russian invaders. Some observers have speculated that Ukrainian trust in Washington has waned under the Trump administration amid the public flare-ups. Advertisement In Sunday's attack by Ukraine, at least 41 of the Kremlin's heavy bombers at four different locations in Russia — thousands of miles inside the country — were hit, the Kyiv Independent reported. The struck aircraft included TU-95 'Bear' nuclear bombers — considered Russia's doomsday deterrent — A-50 'Mainstay' command-and-control jets and TU-22 'Backfire' fast-attack strike bombers, according to multiple reports. The surprise attack comes against the backdrop of Russia brutally pummeling Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv in recent weeks, slaughtering civilians. Some of Russia's barbarism toward civilians has prompted outrage from Trump, who recently suggested that the country's strongman, Vladimir Putin, has 'gone absolutely CRAZY' and that he was 'playing with fire' by not acting as if he wanted peace negotiations. Advertisement Russia's stepped-up drone bombardments on Ukraine have come while Trump has attempted to broker a peace deal between the two warring countries. Ukraine has agreed to Trump's proposed terms for a ceasefire, but Russia hasn't. 3 President Trump has been eager to broker peace between the two warring countries. AP Still, Trump has continued to publicly place some of the blame for the bloody war on Zelensky's shoulders in addition to Putin's. 'This isn't my war. This is Biden's war, Zelensky his war and Putin's war. This isn't Trump's war,' the president told reporters last week. Bipartisan calls have grown inside Congress to ramp up sanctions on Russia and even consider giving Kyiv more firepower to fend off the invaders. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who has met with Zelensky alongside Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), said the Senate will 'start moving' to tighten the screws on Moscow and consider a sanctions package when the upper chamber reconvenes this week. Trump has expressed reluctance to amplify the sanctions on Russia during the sensitive negotiations over the war. Advertisement Congress has approved over $175 billion in aid to Ukraine since the war broke out in February 2022, according to a Congressional Research Service study published in January. Much of that money includes humanitarian and economic aid to the war-torn country. The State Department estimates that the US has marshaled $66.9 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia's deadly invasion began over three years ago, according to a March fact sheet.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Pukatawagan evacuation ramps up: Larger aircraft arrive as airport reopens
The evacuation of a Manitoba First Nation forced out by wildfires is ramping up with larger aircraft helping out and the reopening of the community's only airport. However, concerns remain about the sheer number of residents still stranded days after they were ordered out. Thousands of people have been waiting to be flown out from Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, also known as Pukatawagan, since the mandatory evacuation order came on Wednesday. Smoke from out-of-control wildfires shut down the community's only airstrip on Thursday. With some aircraft limited to groups of between six and 13 people since then, officials in the community had said it would take days before the evacuation would be complete. The airport reopened on Saturday morning after the smoke cleared enough to allow aircraft to land, Chief Gordie Bear told CBC News. WATCH | Helicopters for Pukatawagan evacuees land in The Pas: "We won't leave you behind, but you gotta wait in line then so that we can come out without a stampede, without fighting at the gate to get out," he said. However, the runway in Pukatawagan can only accommodate helicopters and light planes, excluding other military aircraft such as the Hercules that can handle a greater number of people, Bear said. "You can only do so much," he said. The out-control wildfire, first reported Tuesday, was 9,785 hectares in size and about a kilometre away from the community as of Thursday, according to the province's wildfire map. Double-rotor Chinook helicopters from the Canadian Forces were flying evacuees from Pukatawagan roughly 210 kilometres south to The Pas on Saturday. Bear said about 500 residents were expected to be evacuated during the 10-hour window limiting flight crews are timed out for the day and operations resume on Sunday morning. "It's very hard to speak for everybody in general, but nobody wants to leave," Bear said. "This is not a vacation, they are going into a different environment." The evacuation is also bringing the trauma some residential school survivors endured after being forcefully removed from their community as he was, Bear said. However, the threat of the wildfire, combined with the smoke-filled air and a power outage means everyone must leave, Bear said. Opaskwayak Cree Nation set up a centre for evacuees to help them transition into more permanent shelters in southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg and Brandon, said Diane Pelly, executive director for government services in the community. "There's nowhere here in the north … to accommodate them," she said. "Everybody's really being tested with the supports that are required, and unfortunately, it is relocating to the south." Hundreds of evacuees came from Flin Flon on Wednesday. The next day the centre started welcoming people from Pukatwagan who have been arriving in helicopters at the Clearwater Lake Airport in The Pas. Some evacuees were expected to travel in an emergency VIA Rail train to southern Manitoba on Friday, Pelly said. She was also aware there are also plans to temporarily relocate others to Ontario. But in the process, she said, some families are losing track of relatives, spurring worry during an already stressful situation. "We're doing our very best to move them as quickly as possible," Pelly said. "There's still a large number of individuals that need to be transferred out." Are you an evacuee who needs assistance? Contact Manitoba 211 by calling 211 from anywhere in Manitoba or email 211mb@
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
What is the Bear Natural mattress and should you buy it?
Introduced in February, the Bear Natural is the brand's first latex hybrid mattress, promising a 100% natural and non-toxic sleep. And right now, there's 35% off all sizes in Bear's flash sale, taking a queen down to $1,578 (was $2,427). You'll find mattresses from Bear featured in our best mattress guide, but how does the new Bear Natural measure up? It's not unusual to see latex used in premium organic mattresses and the foam is well-known for its cooling, hypoallergenic properties and deep pressure relief. With Bear's generous mattress sales taking 35% off, this could be the perfect time to invest in a new organic mattress. But is the Bear Natural the right choice for you? Let's find out more… Like many of the best organic mattresses, the Bear Natural uses natural latex foam to provide a supportive and responsive sleep surface. Standing 13' tall, the mattress uses Talalay latex, which is a plush latex foam with a consistent and breathable feel. The latex is backed up by an organic cotton cover, comfort foam and a layer of coils. These coils are zoned, which means they've been arranged to provide targeted support where it's needed, helping to keep the spine aligned and provide pressure relief. Latex is, of course, naturally breathable and hypoallergenic, so this mattress could also be a great choice for both hot sleepers and allergy sufferers. As you might expect from a natural mattress, the Bear Natural isn't cheap, with a queen coming with an MSRP of $2,427. But Bear normally has discounts of 30% on its mattresses, with the discount rising to 35% at major sales events, so right now is a great time to snap it up. Alongside this you'll also get a 120-night trial, lifetime warranty and free shipping. Bear Natural Mattress: was from $1,999 now from $1,300 at Bear There's no getting away from the premium price tag but Bear's flash 35% off sale takes a queen down to $1,578 (MSRP $2,427). And you'll also get two free pillows into the bargain. This a good price for a premium organic mattress, plus you'll get a 120-night trial, lifetime warranty and free shipping included. The Bear Natural is a premium mattress, even with discounts but, normal Bear mattress sales take 30% off, with the discount rising to 35% at major sales events. You'll also get two free pillows included with the mattress. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Here are the MSRPs for the Bear Natural: In terms of extras, you'll get a 120-night trial, lifetime warranty and free shipping to your door. There's also the option to upgrade to white glove delivery, with prices starting from $100. This is a little disappointing for a mattress with prices comparable to many of the best luxury mattresses — we'd hope to see at least a year's trial on offer and maybe free white glove delivery. As you'd probably expect from a premium mattress, the Bear Natural has several mattress certifications proving its quality. The mattress is Greenguard Gold certified and CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it's free from any harmful chemicals. Starting at the top, you'll find an organic quilted cotton cover that's designed to be breathable and soft to the touch. Up next is the natural Talalay latex layer, designed with a medium firm finish for cushioning and pressure relief. The latex layer is backed up by a layer of comfort foam to aid with pressure relief and motion isolation. Underneath this is the layer of individually encased zoned coils. Higher gauged coils have been placed in the center to help enhance lumbar support and keep the spine aligned. The edges of the coil layer have also been reinforced to help provide extra edge support along the perimeter. Finally, the mattress is finished off with a layer of DuraDense base foam to absorb shock and provide support and durability to the mattress. We haven't yet slept on the Bear Natural, but we see this bed as being best suited to those wanting a responsive surface that allows sleepers to move around easily. Latex is a naturally breathable material as well, meaning this bed should be a great fit for hot sleepers – especially as the latex is backed up by a breathable cotton cover and a layer of coils for greater airflow. That slightly bouncy feel does mean that this mattress may not be the best choice for those sharing their bed with a restless sleeper, as there may be a little too much motion transfer through the mattress. The Bear should have good edge support with its reinforced perimeter coils. Like many of the best mattresses for back pain, the Bear Natural has higher gauge coils in its center third to provide more lumbar support and help keep the spine aligned. This could well make it a good choice for those suffering with aches and pains. With its medium-firm feel, we'd expect the Bear to appeal to a wide range of sleepers, although it's possible it may be a little too firm for lightweight side sleepers. If you're unsure whether latex is for you, read our 5 signs that you should buy a latex mattress instead of memory foam. ✅ You sleep hot: Latex and cotton are both naturally breathable materials, meaning this could be a strong choice if you're a hot sleeper. The addition of a coil layer will also help to keep air moving through the mattress. ✅ You suffer with allergies: Latex is hypoallergenic, making this a solid option for allergy sufferers. ✅ You want a responsive sleep surface: The slightly bouncy nature of latex means that anyone who wants a mattress that responds to movement would do well here. It's also a great fit for combination sleepers, who will find it easy to change position overnight. ❌ You share your bed with a restless sleeper: Latex is a bouncy foam, meaning there could be a little motion transfer on this mattress. ❌ You're on a budget: The Bear Natural is a premium mattress, even with a 35% discount. ❌ You want plenty of sinkage: You'll lie on top of a latex mattress, rather than sinking into it, so if you like to feel hugged by your bed this isn't the best choice; instead look at one of the best memory foam mattresses. 1. Birch Natural Mattress: was $1373.33 now from $1,030 at Birch The Birch Natural offers fantastic temperature regulation and is an ideal fit for combination sleepers. There's currently 25% off and you'll get two free pillows as well. This takes a queen down to $1,399 (MSRP $1,865.33), and you'll get free shipping, a 100-night trial and limited lifetime warranty. 2. Nolah Natural Mattress: was $1,499 now from $974 at Nolah The Nolah Natural mattress is a great responsive option, with a much lower price tag than most organic latex mattresses. A queen is reduced by 35% to $1,364 (MSRP $2,099) and you'll get two free pillows included with your purchase, as well as a 120-night trial, free shipping and a lifetime warranty. 3. Avocado Green Mattress: was $1,499 now from $1,274.15 at Avocado Our favorite organic mattress has a firmer feel that back sleepers will particularly appreciate. It's not often discounted so this 15% discount for Memorial Day is well worth taking advantage of, bringing a queen down to $1,784.15 (MSRP $2,099) with code HONOR15. This mattress comes with a one-year trial and free shipping, plus a 25-year warranty.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Video: Dog Helps Owner Perform Surgery on Best Stuffy Friend
Ask any dog parent, and they'll tell you some toys are just different. They are not chew targets or fetch items; they're best friends. That's certainly the case for Boomer the Samoyed, whose emotional attachment to his stuffy toy, Bear, recently turned into an emergency worth documenting. When Bear ripped a seam, Dr. Boomer assisted his owner in a full 'surgery,' complete with pre-op prep, moral support, and post-op recovery. As far as doggy devotion goes, this one deserves an honorary veterinary degree. In the latest Instagram video posted on @ Boomer gently carries Bear in his mouth and delivers him to his owner for help. The toy had a visible tear — described humorously in the video as a 'level 3 wound' — that required immediate attention. Soon after, the dog and his owner lays Bear down and covers him with a small sheet to 'prep' for the operation. At one point, Boomer leans in and rests his head gently on the toy, as if to comfort it. His owner then begins stitching up the tear, with the Samoyed watching closely, never straying too far from his injured friend. The 'surgery' may have been a success, but Bear wasn't out of the woods yet. His owner explains to Boomer that Bear needed a bath. However, as soon as she places the toy in the washing machine, the canine steps in, attempting to pull him out. According to her, Boomer knows all too well how unpleasant baths can be and didn't want Bear to endure the same ordeal. Despite his protests, Bear got his much-needed rinse, and the dog stood watch nearby. The video ends with a clean, stitched-up Bear reunited with Boomer, who curls up with his best friend for a well-earned nap. If your dog has ever shredded a beloved toy within minutes, you'll appreciate the rare tenderness on display here. Boomer wasn't about to let Bear suffer alone, and the internet took notice. 'The paw and he kept his head on bear for moral support' said one person, clearly moved by Boomer's bedside manner. Meanwhile, others joked about their own dogs' less delicate approach: 'And here's my dog disemboweling her stuffies in 3.5 seconds.' Many praised Boomer's loyalty, with one fan calling him 'the best friend anyone could ask for.' The post Video: Dog Helps Owner Perform Surgery on Best Stuffy Friend appeared first on DogTime.
