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In a meticulously planned operation stretching over 18 months, Ukraine's internal security service, SBU, launched a daring assault on several Russian military airfields, dealing a significant blow to Russia's military capabilities. Targeting strategic bases deep within Russian territory, Ukrainian drones soared into action on Sunday, catching Russia off guard and setting numerous aircraft ablaze.

The audacious attack, coordinated just before a new round of peace talks, resulted in the destruction of at least 13 Russian aircraft and damage to dozens more, according to Ukrainian officials. The affected planes, some of which were capable of carrying nuclear weapons, included models such as the A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22 M3, and Tu-160. These aircraft have been deployed almost nightly to bomb Ukrainian territories.

The strikes not only stunned Russia but also highlighted an exploit in its defense: valuable military aircraft left exposed in supposedly secure locations. Western analysts predict that the impact will force Russian military commanders to rethink their defense strategies and allocate resources to better protect their aviation assets. However, they caution that Russia retains enough aircraft to continue its offensive against Ukraine.

Footage across social media captured the immediate chaos and panic within Russia, with observers filming smoke plumes and drone activity. Regions as distant as Siberia reported drone attacks, and pro-war commentators likened the operation’s scale and surprise to "Russia's Pearl Harbor."

From the Ukrainian side, the SBU revealed that the operation, dubbed "Spiderweb," was a major success with all operatives evacuated safely before the attack commenced. Celebrations erupted in Kyiv, with President Volodymyr Zelensky prominently commending the head of the agency, Lt. Gen. Vasyl Maliuk, for his leadership.

"This operation redefines reality for Russia and the world," said Ukrainian lawmaker Roman Kostenko, underscoring the strategic and moral victory for Ukraine. Former defense minister Oleksii Reznikov reflected on the historical irony that Ukraine had once transferred similar bombers to Moscow as part of a 1996 security agreement, which Russia is now violating by using them against Ukraine.

While the strikes are unlikely to decisively alter the war's trajectory, they have undeniably inflicted a psychological and tactical setback on Russia, demonstrating that even its most fortified assets are vulnerable. This bold maneuver underscores the evolving role of drones in modern warfare and Ukraine's capability to disrupt Russian plans significantly.