On 1 June Ukraine conducted a spectacular operation, aimed at 1 of the elements of the Russian atomic triad. Over a 100 drones attacked the airports where Russia's strategical bombers were stationed. Ukrainians estimation that at least 41 aircraft were destroyed or damaged, and enemy losses exceeded the value of $7 billion.
Tu-95 at Engels Air Base close Saratov, Russia, Monday 28 August 2023.
If that were the case, we would have the most costly individual failure of this war. So far, publically available satellite data shows that Ukrainians have definitely managed to burn six Tu-95MS bombers, 4 Tu-22M3 – both types adapted for atomic weapons transfer – and 1 A-50 radio-electronic reconnaissance aircraft and An-22 transport. 1 unidentified device was besides destroyed, and at least 1 Tu-95 was severely damaged.
"The Web" on Children's Day
These calculations may be changed erstwhile further photographs taken over the attacked bases are received. However, we can already talk about the pogrom of Russian strategical aviation. The media behind the ocean says “Russian Pearl Harbor“ emphasizing the scale of surprise and irreversible losses. Let's recall, by the end of May, the Russians had not more than 40 Tu-95 bombers, of which only half were full operational. And the machines from this pool have been captured by the Ukrainians. Losing at least 7 Tu-95 means a major simplification in potential. The more severe that Russia has not produced these aircraft in years, so there is no request to replace the lost Tupolevs with fresh copies.
The safety Service of Ukraine (SBU) is behind the bravado Operation codenamed “The Web”. 4 airports were targeted: Belaja, Olenja, Diagilevo and Ivanowo. 117 tiny drones were utilized for the attack, each armed with 2 charges. The quadrocopters were delivered to the base area in respective trucks, packed in wooden boxes, which were then utilized as launch platforms. The Ukrainians managed not only to smuggle the quadricycles into Russia and arm them, but besides to usage local net networks to control the devices. “The interesting thing is, we can already say publically that the “office” of our operation in Russia was located right next to the FSB headquarters,” said Volodymyr Zelenski. The president of Ukraine stressed that all active in the operation (drivers, drone operators, field agents) had left the Federation. "It took a year and a half to prepare the action," he added.
Ace in Ukrainian sleeve
The attack did not happen on global kid Day. "This is revenge for all our children killed and mutilated as a consequence of Russian raids on Ukrainian cities", the message of SBU's chief, General Wasyla Maluk, made the media available over Dnieprem. In a symbolic dimension, this is an crucial declaration, which does not change the fact that the overarching motives were operational and strategic. 2 days before the attack, experts warned that the Russians were preparing for a powerful strike with bombers and missiles. It would happen if the peace talks in Istanbul scheduled for June 2 did not go Moscow. Vladimir Putin then intended to “soften” Ukrainians with a massive raid. To this end, Russia gathered "ten bombers" including at Belaja and Olenja Airport. These airplanes became the mark of Ukrainian drones – and it was in this sense “The Web” that was a preemptive action.
However, another aspects of the substance are besides important. Moscow did not cover that it intended to proceed talks with Kiev from the position of force. And put the Ukrainians under highly unfavourable conditions. So Ukraine needed an ace up its sleeve and, according to many experts, just played it. Premeditated on the eve of another gathering in Istanbul. The attack on key elements of Russia's possible for deterrence is simply a Ukrainian effort to take over the negotiating initiative. A symbolic message that says: “We have hit you hard, we can ask you another”. It is worth highlighting the self-limiting nature of the Web. Although another Russian strategical bombers – Tu-160 – were besides standing at Belaja Airport, no of them were attacked. It may be a coincidence, but with more probability the premeditation effect. Thanks to the Tu-160, the Russians inactive hold the efficiency of the air parts of the triad to an degree that allows Nuclear deterrence. Therefore, they have no reason to hotel to "final arguments" as part of the repost, but inactive have much to lose.
