Latest news with #OperationSpiderWeb
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First Post
8 minutes ago
- First Post
'Wanted to make flying robots, not...': Developer upset as Ukraine uses his open-source code to make deadly drones
A 20-year-old open-source code powered Ukraine's Operation Spider Web that destroyed a third of Russian bombers that were hidden miles away from Ukraine. The creators of the code expressed surprise over the matter read more As Ukraine's Operation Spider Web rocked Russia, it has been revealed that open-source software used by hobbyist drones powered the attack that wiped out a third of Russia's strategic long-range bombers. The attack that took place on Sunday afternoon was seen as one of the most daring and technically coordinated attacks in modern warfare. In broad daylight, explosions rocked air bases in Belaya, Olenya, and Ivanovo in Russia, which are hundreds of miles from Ukraine. However, the Operation , which took over a year of planning, was carried out using a nearly 20-year-old piece of open-source drone autopilot software called ArduPilot. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The original creator of ArduPilot expressed shock over the matter, recalling how the drone company just started out of a basement. 'That's ArduPilot, launched from my basement 18 years ago. Crazy,' Chris Anderson said in a comment on LinkedIn below footage of the attack. 'Just wanted to make flying robots': Anderson Anderson eventually took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and tagged his co-creators, Jordi Muñoz and Jason Short, in a post about the attack. 'Not in a million years would I have predicted this outcome. I just wanted to make flying robots,' Short said in a reply to Anderson. 'Ardupilot-powered drones just took out half the Russian strategic bomber fleet.' 18 years after @Jrdmnz @jason4short and I created ArduPilot, here it is destroying large parts of the Russian air force. Crazy — Chris Anderson (@chr1sa) June 1, 2025 ArduPilot is an open-source software system that takes its name from the Arduino hardware systems it was originally designed to work with. The work on the source code began in 2007 when Anderson launched the website and cobbled together a UAV autopilot system out of a Lego Mindstorms set. DIYdrones eventually became a home for UAV enthusiasts, and for two years, Anderson's Lego UAV took flight. According to 404 Media, Muñoz and Anderson eventually founded 3DR, an early consumer drone company, and released the earliest versions of the ArduPilot software in 2009. Despite its popularity, the software system remains free to use and can be modified for various purposes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wow. Ardupilot powered drones just took out half the Russian strategic bomber fleet. — Jason Short (@jason4short) June 1, 2025 'ArduPilot is a trusted, versatile, and open source autopilot system supporting many vehicle types: multi-copters, traditional helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, boats, submarines, rovers, and more,' the project's website reads. 'The source code is developed by a large community of professionals and enthusiasts. New developers are always welcome!' Interestingly, the website analytics from 2023 showed that the project was very popular in both Ukraine and Russia since the start of the war.
NDTV
5 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Satellite Pics Of 2 Russian Airbases Reveal Extent Of Damage By Ukrainian Drones
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. High-resolution satellite images reveal damage at two Russian airbases from a Ukrainian drone attack. Belaya and Olenya airbases, targeted under Ukraine's Operation Spider Web, sustained significant destruction. At least ten bombers, including Tupolev Tu-95 and Tu-22, were reportedly destroyed at the two airbases. Hi-resolution satellite images of two of the five Russian air bases targeted by Ukraine in its audacious drone attack have emerged, giving a glimpse of the destruction caused by the explosive-laden drones. Clear images have taken more than 48 hours after the attack because of cloud cover over these air bases, all of which are deep inside Russian territory. Ukraine, under its Operation Spider Web, targeted the Belaya Air Base in Siberia's Irkutsk, the Olenya Air Base in the Arctic region's Murmansk, the Ivanovo Severny Air Base in Ivanovo, the Dyagilevo Air Base in Ryazan, and Ukrainka Air Base in Russia's Far East. While the nearest of these air bases is located more than 500 km from the Ukraine border, the farthest one is located as much as 8,000 km from the border. The latest post-strike satellite images of the Belaya and Olenya air bases show the damage caused to Russian air infrastructure. At both these airbases, one can see the debris of several military aircraft that were lined up on the tarmac at the time of the attack. At the Belaya air base, located more than 4,000 kilometres inside Russian territory, satellite pictures taken on June 4 show the fuselage and wings of at least two of Russia's frontline bomber - the Tupolev Tu-95 - burnt to ashes. The intensity of the explosions here were so intense that debris can be seen flung nearly 100 meters away where a decoy can be seen painted on the tarmac. Another picture shows four Tupolev Tu-22 supersonic bombers - a mainstay of the Russian Air Force- parked on the tarmac while a fifth is seen completely decimated further down the parking bay. The image suggests that some clean-up activity has happened in the last two days, with parts of the destroyed aircraft removed from the area. The Tupolev Tu-22 is used to target enemy aircraft carriers and other naval assets of the enemy, however, due to its speed, versatility, and adaptability, these sleekly designed bombers have been used for missions to target ground-based military assets deep inside enemy territory. At least 10 bombers at the Belaya airbase can clearly be seen destroyed in the Ukrainian attack | Hi-Res Image Here Several other aircraft - all bombers - parked in a zigzag formation at the Belaya airbase could also be seen completely destroyed. In total, at least 10 bombers at the Belaya airbase can clearly be seen destroyed in the Ukrainian attack, however, due to the clean-up activity by the Russian Air Force over the past 48 hours, it is difficult to predict how many of which type of bomber aircraft were destroyed. At the Olenya Airbase, located in the Arctic region 2,000 km from Ukraine's border, satellite pictures show multiple aircraft standing beside each other on the tarmac now reduced to dust and ash. It is difficult to assume which of Russia's military jets were destroyed here, tough pre-attack satellite images reveal that here too, the Tu-22 and Tu-95 aircraft were stationed. It was from this air base that the first video of the Ukranian drone strike emerged, which showed explosive-laden drones mainly targeting the Tu-95 bombers. The footage shows smoke billowing from these bombers, which were parked side-by-side on the tarmac. There is still a considerable amount of cloud cover over the three other airbases which were targeted by Ukraine and hi-resolution satellite images are likely to come only after the weather clears. While today's satellite pictures show at least ten aircraft being targeted, Ukraine has said that as many as 41 Russian military jets have been destroyed in the Trojan-horse styled attack, where drones were sent secretly concealed in container trucks before being deployed remotely. Moscow was caught off-guard presumably over the fact that these airbases are located so far inside Russia that the sheer distance was enough to keep aircraft safe from a Ukrainian attack. Though western allies have supplied Ukraine with missiles too - the US-made ATACMS and the British-French-made Storm Shadow - neither has the range to hit these air bases located deep inside Russian territory. Despite the successful drone attack, the Russian Air Force, which has an immensely greater aircraft fleet, maintains air superiority over Ukraine. Ukraine's attack though has given a huge boost to Kyiv's morale, while creating a big dent on the morale of Moscow. According to US President Donald Trump, who spoke to Vladimir Putin for over an hour today, the Russian President has vowed to retaliate Ukraine's attack. In a post on social media platform Truth Social, President Trump wrote, "I just finished speaking, by telephone, with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia. The call lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes. We discussed the attack on Russia's docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides. It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace. President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields."
Herald Sun
7 hours ago
- Business
- Herald Sun
Trump says Putin ‘will respond' to Ukraine airfield attacks
Don't miss out on the headlines from World. Followed categories will be added to My News. Donald Trump has said he held a phone call with Vladimir Putin he told him 'very strongly' that Russia would have to respond to Ukraine's audacious attack on some if its most important bomber bases. 'It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace,' said the US president on Wednesday, US time. While Russia has continued to bomb Ukraine since Sunday's 'Operation Spider Web' attacks, it will raise fears a more forceful response could be imminent. No indication was given by Mr Trump of when a response could come or what form it night take. Various commentators within Russia have said that the destruction of a number of long range bombers that can carry nuclear weapons is grounds for using nuclear weapons on Ukraine. However, nuclear sabre rattling is common after major Ukrainian attacks. Russia could ratchet up its conventional attacks with more missiles and drones. Ukraine's air defences are already stretched. US President Trump spoke to Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, US time. President Trump said the call with Putin lasted around one hour and 15 minutes. 'We discussed the attack on Russia's docked aeroplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides,' Mr Trump write on social media. 'It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace. 'President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields.' Ukraine and Russia have now held two recent rounds of peace talks which have led to the exchange of prisoners. But the two remain far apart when it comes to grounds for compromise. Donald Trump previously said he had given Putin a two week deadline to get to a meaningful point to stopping the conflict. But no mention of that deadline, which is not yet up, was made. This handout satellite picture courtesy of Maxar Technologies taken on June 4, 2025 shows destroyed Tupolev Tu-95 aircraft at Belaya Airbase near Usolye-Sibirs Mr Trump also sold the two discussed Iran where the US is trying to stop Tehran from building a nuclear weapon. 'Time is running out on Iran's decision pertaining to nuclear weapons, which must be made quickly!' he wrote. 'I stated to President Putin that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and, on this, I believe that we were in agreement. 'President Putin suggested that he will participate in the discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion.' Mr Trump said in his opinion, 'Iran has been slow walking their decision on this very important matter'. 'We will need a definitive answer in a very short period of time!' Many have said that Russia has also been slow walking Ukraine peace talks with Moscow refusing to sign up to a 30 day ceasefire. Originally published as Trump says Putin 'will respond' to Ukraine airfield attacks
Irish Daily Star
8 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Star
Trump mysteriously deletes Truth Social post minutes after warning of imminent Putin attack
Donald Trump caused confusion on Wednesday afternoon after deleting a Truth Social post about a phone call with Vladimir Putin - only to repost it again about an hour later. The post remained visible on the White House X account throughout, but vanished from his Truth Social page for just over an hour. Trump said that he spoke on the phone with Putin for about an hour and 15 minutes, speaking about the recent attacks in the Russia-Ukraine war . Trump said "it was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace." Read More Related Articles Ivanka Trump subtly shades dad as she supports President's nemesis Read More Related Articles Karoline Leavitt left red-faced after humiliating press conference fail "President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields," Trump wrote. The post has now been reposted to Trump's Truth Social (Image: Truth Social) Trump added that the two also discussed Iran. "I just finished speaking, by telephone, with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia. The call lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes. We discussed the attack on Russia's docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides," the post read. "It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace. President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields. We also discussed Iran, and the fact that time is running out on Iran's decision pertaining to nuclear weapons, which must be made quickly! I stated to President Putin that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and, on this, I believe that we were in agreement," the post continued. "President Putin suggested that he will participate in the discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion. It is my opinion that Iran has been slowwaking their decision on this very important matter, and we will need a definitive answer in a ver short period of time!" the post concluded. The call, confirmed by both Trump and the Kremlin, followed Ukraine's dramatic launch of Operation Spider Web. The mission was a long-range, AI-guided drone offensive that destroyed or damaged at least 41 Russian military aircraft, according to Kyiv's intelligence services. Targets included strategic bombers such as Tu-95s, Tu-160s, and Tu-22s, aircraft capable of carrying nuclear payloads. The strikes, which reached deep into Russian territory, have been hailed in Ukraine as a strategic triumph. But in Moscow, the embarrassment has boiled over into fury. In a video conference with top Russian officials, Putin denounced Ukraine's attacks as 'terrorist acts,' pointing specifically to recent sabotage operations on railway lines in Russia's Kursk and Bryansk regions. He warned that conditions were not good to peace negotiations, suggesting instead that Ukraine was stalling to rearm and regroup. 'How can any such (summit) meetings be conducted in such circumstances? What shall we talk about?' he asked. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swiftly responded, calling Russia's proposed ceasefire terms 'an ultimatum' and branding the Istanbul negotiations as 'artificial diplomacy.' For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here . 'The same ultimatums they voiced back then — now they just put them on paper ... Honestly, this document looks like spam. It's spam meant to flood us and create the impression that they're doing something,' Zelenskyy said. While Ukraine presses for a US-mediated ceasefire ahead of any direct leader summit, Putin remains dismissive. For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
The Hill
10 hours ago
- General
- The Hill
Condoleezza Rice: Putin getting more ‘desperate'
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in a Wednesday interview that Russian President Vladimir Putin's behavior is growing increasingly 'desperate' as his war against Ukraine continues three years after Russia's attempted takeover of its Eastern European neighbor. 'He seems to be more out of control than he used to be,' she told Fox News host Brian Kilmeade. 'He was always an imperialist, but there is something about him now that seems almost more desperate in wanting to extinguish Ukraine.' Ukraine dealt a stunning blow to the Kremlin's military over the weekend, using smuggled drones to target bombers on air bases deep inside Russian territory. Rice, who served across both terms of former President George W. Bush's administration, called Kyiv's strike 'extraordinary' in using 'relatively cheap drones' to take out expensive Russian bombers that have steadily rained down attacks on Ukraine. 'It shows that the Ukrainians are very advanced in what they are doing in their defense industry with the building of these drones and an employment strategy for them,' she told Kilmeade. 'Hopefully, they can get a ceasefire, but this also shows that the Ukrainians can hold at risk things that Putin cares about, and that more than anything will eventually get him to the table.' 'I do think there's a little part of Vladimir Putin that recognizes particularly that the energy infrastructure in Russia is degrading and that he would be better off to stop this war, but it's being overcome by that other Putin who still thinks he can extinguish Ukraine,' she added. Ukraine's security services reported that 41 Russian aircraft were destroyed or damaged in the sneak attack, though Russian military sources have argued that the figure is much lower. But Rice said the move demonstrates a shift in the war that has likely left Putin on shaky ground. 'It is an incredible intelligence coup,' she said. 'Vladimir Putin is undoubtedly now wondering whether there was an inside job.' 'You're probably going to see a witch hunt in Russia as he tries to figure out who did this inside,' she added. Putin, a former Russian intelligence officer who has been in power for more than two decades, has a long record of silencing and even allegedly ordering assassinations of his detractors and defectors. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has haled the outcome of his country's drone strike against Russia, dubbed 'Operation Spider Web,' as an 'absolutely brilliant' effort from his country acting alone. 'A result achieved solely by Ukraine. One year, six months, and nine days from the start of planning to effective execution. Our most long-range operation,' Zelensky wrote on the social platform X after it was carried out. President Trump, who has had wavering relationships with both Putin and Zelensky as the U.S. has attempted to broker peace between the two countries, reportedly was not notified ahead of Ukraine's drone strike. Rice said she thinks the Trump administration should hold firm with Putin as the U.S. continues to facilitate ongoing peace talks. 'I would urge that if these talks are going nowhere, if Vladimir Putin is playing along, hoping that he can just keep this war, this kind of 19th century war going, that we will help the Ukrainians and let them buy the weapons from us and from Europe,' she said. 'Making very clear to (Putin) that he's not going to get his maximalist claims is extremely important at this point.'
