Russia has called on the United States and the United Kingdom to restrain Ukraine after a series of unprecedented drone attacks targeted Russian strategic bombers deep inside Russian territory. The strikes, which damaged dozens of aircraft at key military airbases, have significantly escalated tensions in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Moscow accuses the West of complicity, while Western officials deny prior knowledge of the attacks, raising fears of further escalation in this protracted war.
Ukraine’s Drone Strikes on Russian Strategic Bombers
On June 1, 2025, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone operation, dubbed “Operation Spiderweb,” targeting four Russian airbases located as far as 4,300 kilometers from the front lines. Over 100 drones struck airfields in Siberia and the Arctic, including bases in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ryazan, and the Amur region. The attacks reportedly damaged or destroyed 41 Russian aircraft, including long-range bombers such as the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Ukrainian officials claim the damage inflicted amounts to approximately $7 billion, marking one of the most significant blows to Russia’s military aviation since the conflict began. The targeted airbases form a critical part of Russia’s nuclear triad, which also includes land-based missiles and missile-equipped naval vessels. The strikes demonstrate Ukraine’s growing reach and capability to strike deep into Russian territory, far beyond the immediate war zone.
Russian Government’s Response and Accusations
Moscow condemned the attacks as “terrorist acts” against civilians and civilian infrastructure, accusing Kyiv of deliberately escalating the conflict. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called on the US and UK to restrain Ukraine, warning that “all options remain on the table” for Russia’s military response. He emphasized that the matter is now in the hands of Russia’s armed forces, signaling potential retaliatory measures.
Russian officials further accused Western countries of direct involvement, alleging that the US and UK supplied Ukraine with weapons, provided targeting intelligence, and encouraged Kyiv’s aggressive actions by refraining from condemnation. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, reiterated these accusations, holding the West culpable for the attacks and the resulting escalation.
Western Reactions and Denials
In response, the White House and British government confirmed that neither had prior knowledge or were notified about Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian territory. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that former US President Donald Trump was not informed in advance, while a British government representative echoed this lack of notification.
Meanwhile, Keith Kellogg, Donald Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, expressed concern over the heightened risk of escalation following the attacks on Russia’s nuclear-capable bombers. Kellogg warned that striking parts of an opponent’s nuclear triad could lead to unpredictable and dangerous consequences. He also cited unconfirmed reports of Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Northern Fleet naval base in Severomorsk, which, if true, would further exacerbate tensions.
Ukraine’s Position and Strategic Implications
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) chief Vasyl Maliuk revealed that the drone operation was planned and coordinated over 18 months, underscoring Kyiv’s determination to respond to Russian aggression on all fronts—land, sea, and air. Ukrainian officials have hailed the strikes as proof of their sustained capability to retaliate despite more than three years of conflict.
The attacks also included sabotage efforts on critical infrastructure, such as detonating a highway bridge over a passenger rail line and attempting to sever rail and road connections to Crimea, although Kyiv has not publicly commented on these specific incidents.
While the strikes have dealt a symbolic and material blow to Russia’s military aviation and damaged its image as a nuclear superpower, analysts suggest they are unlikely to alter the ground war’s dynamics significantly. However, the psychological impact on Moscow and the potential disruption of missile launch capabilities remain significant concerns.
Broader Context and Diplomatic Fallout
The timing of the attacks is particularly sensitive, occurring just before a second round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine scheduled to take place in Turkey. The strikes complicate diplomatic efforts and deepen mistrust between the parties.
Russia and the US collectively hold about 88% of the world’s nuclear arsenal, highlighting the gravity of attacks targeting nuclear-capable bombers. Both sides have consistently accused each other of terrorism and bear responsibility for the stalled peace negotiations.
The drone strikes mark a new phase in the conflict, demonstrating Ukraine’s ability to project power deep inside Russia and challenging Moscow’s sense of security. Russia’s call for Western restraint reflects fears of a dangerous escalation that could spiral beyond the current conflict zone.
