Ukraine’s Drone Strike Damages Over 40 Russian Bombers

Advanced Level | June 4, 2025

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Ukraine Drone Strike on Russian Bombers: A Deep Hit on Strategic Air Power

On June 1, 2025, Ukraine launched a bold Ukraine drone strike on Russian bombers deep inside Russian territory, damaging or destroying over 40 military aircraft. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) coordinated the operation and called it “Spider’s Web.” This strike ranks among the most significant long-range attacks in the war so far.

What Was Hit?

Reuters reports that Ukrainian drones struck five major airbases: Belaya, Dyagilevo, Ivanovo Severny, Olenya, and Ukrainka. These airbases house strategic bombers like the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, along with early warning aircraft such as the A-50. Satellite images revealed significant damage, particularly at Belaya and Olenya. Russian officials stated that several aircraft caught fire during the attack.

How Did Ukraine Do It?

Ukraine launched 117 drones, many from inside Russian territory. By flying below radar detection and striking simultaneously, they overwhelmed Russia’s air defenses. The attack showed Ukraine’s growing ability to reach deep targets with precision and coordination. The furthest target, Ukrainka, is over 4,000 kilometers from the front line.

Reactions and Risks

President Zelenskyy called the mission a “brilliant success.” However, Russia has begun investigating the breach. Analysts warn that hitting strategic bombers—part of Russia’s nuclear triad—could escalate tensions. The U.S. envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, expressed concern over the long-term risks.

Why This Matters to You

This Ukraine drone strike on Russian bombers highlights the future of warfare: drones, coordination, and precision. For English learners, this is also a chance to explore military vocabulary, diplomatic language, and real-world news you can talk about in global settings.

Vocabulary

Strategic bomber (noun): A large aircraft designed to carry and drop bombs over long distances.
- Example: The Tu-95 is one of Russia’s most powerful strategic bombers.
Airbase (noun): A military airport used by air forces.
- Example: Ukraine’s drones targeted five Russian airbases.
Overwhelm (verb): To defeat completely or exceed capacity.
- Example: The drone wave overwhelmed Russian air defenses.
Precision (noun): Accuracy or exactness.
- Example: The drones struck with high precision.
Breach (noun): A break or failure in defense or agreement.
- Example: The strike caused a serious breach in Russian air security.
Triad (noun): A group of three, often referring to nuclear delivery systems.
- Example: Strategic bombers are one leg of Russia’s nuclear triad.
Coordination (noun): Organized activity involving multiple parts.
- Example: The operation showed advanced coordination.
Escalate (verb): To increase in intensity or seriousness.
- Example: Striking bombers could escalate the conflict.
Satellite imagery (noun): Photos of Earth taken by satellites, often used for military or scientific purposes.
- Example: Satellite imagery confirmed damage at two airbases.
Long-range (adjective): Capable of reaching distant targets.
- Example: Ukraine’s long-range strike hit targets over 4,000 kilometers away.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What made this drone strike different from previous ones?
Why were the targeted bombers so important?
How might this attack affect the direction of the war?
What were the international responses to this strike?
What security concerns were raised by analysts?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How do drones change modern warfare?
Should countries be allowed to launch deep strikes like this?
What are the ethical concerns with drone warfare?
How should other countries react when nuclear assets are targeted?
Could similar tactics be used in other global conflicts?

Related Idiom

“Push the envelope”
Meaning: To go beyond accepted limits or explore new boundaries.
Example: Ukraine’s drone attack really pushed the envelope in terms of range and precision.

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This article was inspired by reporting from Reuters, June 2–4, 2025
Reuters Coverage of Ukraine Drone Strike