Ukraine’s Spider’s Web operation destroys up to 34% of Russia’s strategic aviation — expert

Aviation expert and analyst Kostyantyn Kryvolap said this on Espreso TV.

"The Center for Countering Disinformation reported that either 13 or 14 aircraft were hit. I hope that 6–7 more planes were damaged. The level of damage is being clarified, but according to various sources, we are reaching about 14 aircraft destroyed. Together with the damaged ones, that’s about 30–35% of Russia’s strategic aviation destroyed by these strikes," Kryvolap said.

The aviation expert explained that the Belaya airbase serves for maintenance, scheduled works, and repairs of Tu-22M3 aircraft. Some Tu-22M3s parked there are intended for "cannibalization" — dismantling for spare parts. Also, there is a line of aircraft that have already fully exhausted their service life and have nothing left to take from. If planes intended for "cannibalization" were hit, that’s very good because this is the only source of spare parts, engine units, and components.

"In this attack, what matters is not even how many aircraft were hit. That’s interesting, but not the main thing. The main thing is that Ukraine is achieving very significant success and demonstrating a completely new level of warfare. And not just a new level — it’s a completely different orbit. Recall that 34% of the Russian fleet no longer exists either. Now Russian ships are hiding in Novorossiysk. So, the military potential of Russia is being destroyed. Moreover, I believe this even has geopolitical implications," Kryvolap noted.

The aviation analyst added that the Spider's Web operation was globally coordinated, well thought out down to the smallest detail, taking into account possible disruptions. Everything was carried out at the highest level.

"Even Mossad should learn from this. I’m confident that this operation, in terms of organization, logistics, and the use of various methods, will go down in textbooks. As for the number of aircraft — what we didn’t finish off this time, we will finish off with another strike. We have repeatedly proven that we can do this," Kryvolap emphasized.

• In a bold daylight operation on June 1, Ukraine’s Security Service launched a massive drone assault on Russian military airfields.