Spider’s Web aftermath: Military expert breaks down Russia’s remaining strategic bombers

Military expert and co-chair of the NGO Prava Sprava, Dmytro Sniehyrov, shared his assessment with Espreso TV.

"Five Russian airfields were hit. The SBU also targeted the Ukrainka airfield with drones. Objective control data shows that a Russian Air Force plane was damaged there. Experts are now checking if it can still be used. The scale of the strikes is impressive," Sniehyrov said.

He added that before Operation Spider's Web, the Russian Air Force had around 130 strategic bombers.

"When SBU Head Malyuk says that 34% of Russia's Air Force aircraft were destroyed, it's a major blow to the Russians. Even they admit that only about half of their 130 strategic bombers are fully operational. The rest are either stripped for parts to fix other planes or can't fly at all. Still, if even 10 planes remain, they can continue to strike Ukraine," Sniehyrov said.

He also noted that besides the strategic bombers, Ukraine destroyed an A-50 long-range radar aircraft.

"The Russians are already in serious trouble. They have only nine A-50 and A-50U aircraft left. Losing even one more would leave their missile defense without 'eyes' and 'ears,' especially given Russia's vast size. Rebuilding this capability is currently impossible.

A week before Ukraine’s attack, Russia admitted it couldn’t move forward with the A-100 Premier project — an aircraft meant to replace the A-50 and A-50U — announced by the Russian dictator earlier. The main reason is the impact of economic sanctions on Russia’s defense industry," Sniehyrov concluded.

• On June 1, 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine carried out a large operation called Spider's Web to destroy Russian bomber aviation.
• The head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk, revealed details of the historic special operation Spider's Web, during which more than 40 Russian military aircraft were damaged.
• Aviation expert and analyst Kostiantyn Kryvolap noted that Ukraine is achieving significant success and demonstrating a completely new level of warfare. The Spider's Web operation even has geopolitical impact.
• Ivan Stupak, a military expert and SBU officer (2004-2015), noted that Spider's Web operation became one of the most secretive operations in the Security Service of Ukraine, and only a few knew its details even within the service.