Post Reports: How Ukraine Pulled Off ‘Operation Spiderweb’ Deep Inside Russia
Published June 2, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Post Reports, hosted by Elahe Izadi and featuring Ukraine Bureau Chief Siobhan O'Grady, listeners gain an in-depth understanding of Ukraine's audacious "Operation Spiderweb." This operation marks one of Ukraine's most significant and far-reaching attacks against Russian territory since the onset of the war three years prior. The discussion delves into the planning, execution, and ramifications of the attack, as well as its impact on ongoing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
1. Overview of Operation Spiderweb
Elahe Izadi kicks off the episode by detailing the scope and significance of the operation:
“[00:02] Elahe Izadi: On Sunday, Ukraine launched a giant drone attack deep inside of Russia... The operation was codenamed Spiderweb. It took 18 months to plan, and it was supervised personally by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.”
Siobhan O'Grady elaborates on the strategic importance:
“[01:38] Siobhan O'Grady: At least 41 aircraft were hit... This is a major blow to Russia's capabilities because a lot of these aircrafts... were being used to target Ukraine with missiles every night.”
Key Points:
- Duration and Leadership: The operation was meticulously planned over 18 months under the direct supervision of President Zelensky.
- Targets: Four Russian air bases were struck, resulting in significant damage to Russia's aerial assets.
- Timing: Executed a day before planned peace talks, heightening its strategic impact.
2. Execution and Technological Innovation
Izadi inquires about the complexities involved in the operation:
“[02:46] Elahe Izadi: Wow, that's really fascinating...”
O'Grady provides insights into the innovative methods used:
“[03:01] Siobhan O'Grady: They use first-person view drones... These are typically not used for long-range strikes... They are civilian drones used for recreational purposes.”
Key Points:
- Drone Deployment: Hundreds of small, hand-held drones were smuggled into Russia, hidden in sheds and mobile homes.
- Surprise Element: Drones were remotely released by lifting the sheds' roofs, allowing them to attack undetected.
- Technological Ingenuity: Utilization of readily available civilian drones showcases Ukraine’s adaptability and innovation in warfare.
3. Impact on Russian Military Capabilities
Izadi probes the extent of the damage:
“[01:30] Elahe Izadi: So let's just start this conversation with how much damage did this attack by Ukraine cause inside of Russia?”
O'Grady responds with specific figures:
“[01:38] Siobhan O'Grady: At least 41 aircraft were hit... at least 13 Russian aircraft were completely destroyed... dozens were damaged.”
Key Points:
- Casualties and Damage: While no immediate casualties were reported, the destruction of 13 aircraft and damage to dozens more represent a substantial dent in Russia’s aerial operations.
- Strategic Advantage: The incapacitation of these aircraft hampers Russia’s nightly missile strikes on Ukrainian targets, reducing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage in Ukraine.
4. Russian Public and Official Response
Izadi asks about Russia’s reaction:
“[08:34] Elahe Izadi: So Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far not said anything directly in response to these drone strikes, but how are Russians generally reacting to this attack.”
O'Grady discusses the societal impact:
“[08:46] Siobhan O'Grady: There was a lot of response on social media... Russian military bloggers... equating it to Russia's Pearl Harbor...”
Key Points:
- Public Sentiment: The attack has stirred significant discourse on Russian social media, with some likening it to the infamous Pearl Harbor attack to incite nationalistic fervor.
- Government Stance: While Putin has not officially responded, the comparison aims to justify potential retaliatory measures against Ukraine.
- Civilian Preparedness: Anecdotal accounts indicate heightened alertness among Russian civilians, anticipating possible further attacks.
5. Implications for Peace Talks
The discussion transitions to the impact of Operation Spiderweb on imminent peace negotiations in Istanbul:
“[11:58] Elahe Izadi: After the break, what the drone strikes mean for a possible peace deal...”
O'Grady outlines Ukraine’s stance:
“[12:35] Siobhan O'Grady: Ukraine has been very clear that it wants at least a 30-day full ceasefire that is unconditional...”
Key Points:
- Ukraine’s Demands: An unconditional 30-day ceasefire encompassing air, land, and sea, alongside the return of forcibly deported children and prisoners of war.
- Russia’s Position: Reluctant to concede any territory, demanding Ukraine to recognize Russian control over annexed regions, including Crimea.
- US Involvement: The Trump administration exhibits skepticism towards the peace process, evident by the absence of US representatives at the talks.
Notable Quotes:
- O'Grady on Ceasefire: “[12:35] Ukraine has been very clear that it wants at least a 30 day full ceasefire, air, land and sea that is unconditional.”
- O'Grady on Russian Demands: “[15:12] Russia doesn't want to concede the territory that it has illegally annexed from Ukraine...”
6. Current State of the War and Future Prospects
Izadi questions the broader implications of the attack:
“[20:57] Siobhan O'Grady: I think it did change the dynamic in some way, at least temporarily...”
O'Grady provides a balanced perspective:
“[20:57] Siobhan O'Grady: It gave Ukrainians a morale boost... but it didn't change the front lines... It won't change the fact that Ukraine is outnumbered and outgunned on the front line.”
Key Points:
- Morale Boost: The successful attack has invigorated Ukrainian resolve and showcased their capability to strike deep into Russian territory.
- Strategic Limitations: Despite the psychological and tactical advantages, the operation does not alter the overall imbalance in military strength.
- Peace Negotiation Dynamics: The operation underscores Ukraine's determination, potentially influencing negotiation stances but not fundamentally shifting the war’s trajectory.
Conclusion
The Post Reports episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Operation Spiderweb, highlighting Ukraine's strategic innovation and its implications for both the ongoing conflict and peace negotiations. While the attack signifies a notable achievement for Ukraine, demonstrating resilience and ingenuity, it also underscores the entrenched challenges in achieving a lasting resolution. As peace talks proceed amidst these developments, the balance of power and the aspirations of both Ukraine and Russia remain pivotal in shaping the future of the region.
Additional Updates:
- Peace Talks Outcome: Following the discussion, brief updates reveal that Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange gravely wounded prisoners of war, captives under the age of 25, and the bodies of 6,000 killed soldiers from each side. However, no agreement was reached on a ceasefire, with Russia denying the forcible deportation of Ukrainian children and Ukraine pushing for their return.
Production Credits: Produced by Rennie Sfornowski with assistance from Laura Benshoff, edited by Ariel Plotnick, and mixed by Shawn Carter. Special thanks to Paul Shem.
For more in-depth analysis and the latest updates, tune into future episodes of Post Reports.