Key Points Summary – Ukraine Hits Russian Jets

• Ukraine hits Russian jets using drones from unmarked trucks
• Two major Russian airfields reduced to smoking ruins
• Olenya and Belaya bases housed nuclear bombers
• At least 40 aircraft allegedly destroyed
• Kremlin war pundits call for nuclear retaliation
• Damage estimated at over $2 billion
• Operation dubbed “Russia’s Pearl Harbor” by insiders

Explosions Rock Secret Russian Bases

Ukraine just pulled off its most stunning strike of the war. In a move that stunned the Kremlin, Ukrainian forces used a swarm of kamikaze drones launched from vans to decimate two top-secret Russian airfields. The strikes hit Olenya Air Base in Murmansk and Belaya Air Base in Siberia—thousands of miles from Ukraine’s front lines.

Russia tried to downplay the hits, but satellite images and social media footage told a different story. Flames tore through key aircraft, and black smoke billowed skyward. This wasn’t just any air raid. Ukraine targeted the Kremlin’s crown jewels—nuclear-capable Tu-95 bombers.

Ukraine Strikes Nuclear Threat

The attack, nicknamed “Operation Spiderweb,” delivered maximum humiliation. Olenya holds Putin’s aging but deadly fleet of Tu-95 “Bear” bombers. These massive planes can carry nukes. Worse for Russia, many were left exposed on the tarmac—easy prey for low-cost FPV drones.

Belaya Air Base in Irkutsk, nearly 3,000 miles from Ukraine, also burned. It’s a key hub for Russia’s nuclear strategy. Ukrainian intelligence allegedly coordinated the entire assault with secret drone operators hidden in trucks parked nearby.

Pro-Kremlin war hawks reacted with fury. Some even demanded a nuclear response. Analyst Vladislav Pozdnyakov raged that taking out strategic aircraft gives Russia “the right to use nuclear weapons.”

Nuclear Panic Erupts

That chilling call sparked concern worldwide. Russia’s doctrine does allow for nukes if critical infrastructure tied to its nuclear arsenal is attacked. But so far, the Kremlin has stuck to its usual playbook—blame Ukraine, blame the West, and threaten revenge.

Officials in Moscow claimed all drones were “repelled.” They also admitted that “several aircraft caught fire.” But Ukrainian reports say otherwise—more than 40 planes were taken out, including Tu-22M3 and A-50 aircraft.

Kremlin insiders dubbed it “Russia’s Pearl Harbor.” The Rybar war channel warned these aircraft are irreplaceable. “Tu-95s and Tu-22s are no longer in production. This is a serious blow,” one post read.

Drones Emerge From Nowhere

One of the most bizarre details? The drones launched straight from the backs of trucks. In Murmansk, surveillance footage showed a delivery vehicle parked near Olenegorsk. Suddenly, drones flew out of its rear, streaking toward their targets.

The driver of that truck has reportedly been detained—and strangled, according to unconfirmed reports. In Irkutsk, a similar truck was spotted near Belaya Base. Witnesses said it acted like a Trojan horse, unloading destruction before vanishing.

These aren’t million-dollar machines. They’re cheap, often handmade drones costing less than $500. And yet, they wiped out bombers worth up to £70 million each.

Russia’s Defenses Collapse

How did these drones slip through one of the world’s most guarded regions? Critics inside Russia blasted the FSB and military leaders. Even pro-Kremlin bloggers slammed the “disgraceful” lapse in security.

The SBU, Ukraine’s security service, reportedly directed the mission. Their Telegram channels claimed the operation “Web” was meant to dismantle Russia’s nuclear threat. “The SBU reports destruction of more than 40 aircraft,” read one message.

And there may be more. Footage showed smoke rising from Severomorsk, a high-security submarine base in the Arctic. It houses Russia’s Northern Fleet—and its underwater nuke carriers.

Putin’s Nightmare Deepens

With peace talks in Istanbul looming, Ukraine sent a loud message. President Zelensky laid out clear terms: unconditional ceasefire, return of abducted children, and release of all prisoners. Putin has so far rejected them all.

Officials in Kyiv believe Russia’s delay tactics show a lack of real interest in peace. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces are proving they can strike where it hurts.

The damage to the Kremlin isn’t just physical—it’s strategic. Losing dozens of long-range bombers weakens Russia’s nuclear leverage. Moscow’s reputation as a fortress is crumbling.

Calls for Retaliation Spread

Pro-war Russian pundits wasted no time blaming the West. Sergei Mardan warned, “Why isn’t London or Berlin afraid a swarm of drones might fly out of a truck near their bases?”

Others demanded attacks on Britain and NATO targets. Roman Alekhin called the drone operation “Russia’s Pearl Harbor” and begged for a “harsher” retaliation.

But even hardliners admit: these bombers can’t be replaced. That’s why some fear Russia might lash out in unpredictable ways. “This undermines our strategic balance,” warned one Telegram war channel. “It reduces our nuclear security.”

Putin Humiliated on World Stage

So far, Moscow’s official line is denial. Its Ministry of Defense insists the damage was minimal. But pro-Russian channels contradict that narrative—claiming more than £1.5 billion in losses.

Every day brings new revelations. Reports say all four Tu-95MS bombers at Olenya were destroyed. Nearly 100 aircraft were attacked across several regions.

Ukraine used truck-based drones to strike thousands of miles behind enemy lines. It exposed glaring gaps in Russia’s air defense and shattered the myth of invulnerability.

The Next Strike Could Be Worse

If Ukraine can hit strategic bombers in Siberia, what else is fair game? That’s the chilling question now gripping Moscow’s elite. Russian military bloggers warn that Kyiv won’t stop here.

Many fear nuclear subs could be next. Others say the Kremlin must retaliate before looking weak. But with Russia’s nuclear forces rattled and security exposed, Putin may have no good options left.

As the Istanbul talks begin, the question lingers: Will this attack bring peace—or push the world closer to a dangerous new phase of war?