Ukraine's Drone Strike Cripples Russian Air Force Amidst Stalled Peace Talks

Ukraine's Drone Assault: 40+ Russian Warplanes Hit in 'Spider's Web' Operation Summary: On June 2nd, 2025, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone operation targeting multiple Russian air bases. The attack, codenamed "Spider's Web," reportedly damaged or destroyed at least 40 Russian warplanes, including early warning aircraft and strategic bombers. The event occurred amidst ongoing peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey, which have shown limited progress. Details: The operation involved drones smuggled into Russia and hidden in cargo trucks. The trucks were parked near the air bases before the drones were deployed. Video footage shows the resulting fires and damage at the air bases. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the operation, stating that "Operation Spider's Web has seriously weakened their military." He also mentioned that the operation was 18 months in the planning. Peace Talks: Simultaneous peace talks in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine showed little progress. While both sides presented proposals, there was no agreement on a ceasefire. A Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson noted that there was agreement on the exchange of prisoners of war, including severely wounded soldiers and the bodies of fallen soldiers. Conclusion: The "Spider's Web" operation represents a significant escalation in the conflict and highlights the ongoing use of drones in modern warfare. The lack of progress in peace talks underscores the complexities and challenges in resolving the conflict.