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In a bold and unprecedented move, Ukraine's Operation Spider Web has successfully targeted five Russian air bases, striking as far as 8,000 km inside Russia. Hi-resolution satellite imagery taken before the attack reveals Russian Air Force jets, including strategic bombers, transport aircraft, and airborne warning aircraft, parked on the tarmac of these bases. The operation, characterized as the most audacious drone assault in military history, underscores Ukraine's capability to infiltrate deep into Russian territory.

Among the targeted bases was Belaya Air Base in Siberia's Irkutsk, located over 4,500 km from the Ukraine border. Here, Tu-160 bombers, the backbone of Russia's strategic fleet, were seen with tires placed on their wings and fuselage, an apparent defensive measure against drone attacks. Satellite images also show painted decoys on the tarmac, designed to mislead attackers. Despite these precautions, video evidence shows plumes of smoke rising from the base, indicating significant damage.

Olenya Air Base in the Arctic region's Murmansk, more than 2,000 km from the border, was another target. Images reveal Tu-22 aircraft and Tu-95 bombers, the latter being nuclear-capable and critical to Russia's strategic operations. Footage from Olenya displays smoke billowing from these bombers, confirming the effectiveness of Ukraine's strikes.

Ivanovo Severny Air Base, situated over 800 km from the Ukraine border, housed advanced A-50 AWACS aircraft, vital for airborne early warning. The loss of even a few of these limited and valuable planes would be a significant blow to Russian air capabilities. Dyagilevo Air Base in Ryazan, more than 520 km from Ukraine, hosted Ilyushin IL-78 tankers, crucial for aerial refueling. Painted decoys were also observed at this base, yet the drone strikes appear to have penetrated these defenses.

The farthest target, Ukrainka Air Base in Russia's Far East, over 8,000 km from Ukraine, similarly had Tu-95 bombers parked on its tarmac. Ukraine's drone attack reportedly destroyed up to 41 Russian military jets across these bases, a testament to the operation's precision and planning.

This daring drone assault not only inflicted tangible damage on Russian military infrastructure but also struck a psychological blow to Moscow. Despite their immense fleet, the Russian Air Force's perceived invulnerability due to distance was shattered. Meanwhile, Ukraine's success has significantly boosted Kyiv's morale, showcasing their strategic reach and resilience in the ongoing conflict.