“Spider Web”: Ukraine has revealed one of the cards in its hand

At first, U.S. President Trump had heavily pressured Kyiv and, in that infamous scandal, repeatedly told Zelensky: "You have no cards in your hand!" But it is becoming clear that this is not the case. Ukraine has carried out successful operations deep within Russian territory, putting one of the “cards in its hand” on the table.

On June 1, Ukraine conducted Operation “Spider Web.” This became one of the most unique operations in the history of warfare.

Russia is the largest country in the world by territory — stretching over 10,000 kilometers from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. Despite this, Ukraine managed to strike areas far from the front line, deep within Russian territory. Among them were drone attacks on the military bases “Belaya” in Irkutsk Oblast, “Ivanovo” in Ivanovo Oblast, “Olenya” in Murmansk Oblast, and “Dyagilevo” in Ryazan Oblast.

Ukraine succeeded in secretly sending its drones to these long-range military airfields. The aircraft that were hit were not ordinary planes. According to Zelensky, more than 40 strategic bomber aircraft were destroyed or damaged. However, independent experts estimate that about 13–15 aircraft were destroyed or seriously damaged.

Most importantly, among the destroyed aircraft were strategic bombers such as the TU-22M3 and TU-95. These were developed during the Soviet era and are no longer in production. These bombers are capable of flying long distances and can carry multiple nuclear bombs. That means Ukraine managed to destroy aircraft worth tens of millions of dollars using drones costing around $500 each.

At the end of February this year, Trump had a dispute with Zelensky at the White House and said: “You have no card in your hand!” But through the “Spider Web” operation, Zelensky has shown that he does indeed have cards in his hand. On June 2, in the city of Istanbul, Turkey, delegations from Russia and Ukraine met again. Ukraine’s destruction of Russian strategic aircraft just before this meeting greatly influenced the tone of the talks. Many were inclined to believe “Ukraine is losing,” but each time Ukraine has delivered serious blows to Russia using new methods and tactics.

When Vladimir Putin came to power in December 1999, he was president for a period, then temporarily handed over the presidency to Dmitry Medvedev and served as prime minister for about four years. He returned to the presidency in 2011, this time with the Eurasian project. For that reason, he made Ukraine his first target. Putin now aims to distance himself from the West — the U.S. and Europe — and pivot eastward. He planned major initiatives concerning Ukraine, annexed Crimea, and eventually invaded the territory of a neighboring state.

Therefore, the Russia-Ukraine war carries historical significance for many nations. As a result of this war, Ukraine's fate will be determined — the fate of the Ukrainian language and culture, and the political and geopolitical independence of official Kyiv will be defined. Moreover, this war is also of historic importance for Europe. If Ukraine is defeated, several countries in the European Union will face increased pressure. Above all, this war is of utmost importance for the newly independent states of the post-Soviet space. This war will either end imperial ambitions in Russia or strengthen them.

The good news is that Ukraine is not losing. It is defending its independence, territorial integrity, and international subjectivity with innovation. Moreover, in recent months, Trump’s views have sharply changed. Initially, Trump blamed Ukraine, accusing it of “starting the war.” But now he realizes that, in fact, Putin is not interested in ending the war quickly. Until now, Putin believed, “Ukraine is tired; we are winning and will win.” Ukraine’s “Spider Web” and other operations show that Ukraine is not only surviving strategically, but is also capable of delivering crushing blows even in Russia’s most remote regions.

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