Main mage: Cancellation of the postage stamp issued in honor of Operation “Spider Web” / Photo: Danylo Antonyuk, Ukrinform
After the 'Spider Web' operation, Russian forces have been using fewer aircraft in strikes against Ukraine, as they moved the surviving combat planes to the long-range aviation base “Ukrainka” in Russia’s Amur region.
This was reported by Vasyl Maliuk, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, during a press conference dedicated to the release of a commemorative postage stamp honoring Operation 'Spider Web'.
“It’s true that during missile and Shahed drone attacks, they are now operating with fewer aircraft. They were forced to relocate their long-range strategic bombers to the easternmost point — the ‘Ukrainka’ airbase. Now, in order to approach Ukrainian territory and reach their launch positions, they must cover a much greater distance. This is disadvantageous and unacceptable for them operationally. It also accelerates the wear and tear of aircraft components, causing them to rapidly lose their service life,” Maliuk said.
On June 1, the SSU carried out a unique special operation, simultaneously striking four Russian military airfields deep behind enemy lines: Olenya, Ivanovo, Dyagilevo, and Belaya. These bases hosted Russia’s strategic aviation, which regularly bombards Ukrainian cities.
The estimated value of the equipment destroyed during the SSU operation exceeds $7 billion.
In total, Russia’s aviation losses amount to 41 aircraft, including A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22, Tu-160, An-12, and Il-78 models.
