Satellite images of destroyed and damaged military aircraft on Russian bases have provided fresh details about Ukraine’s recent unprecedented drone attack on its powerful neighbor.
The images of destroyed and damaged aircraft, dated May 22 and June 4, show some of Russia's prized military assets parked and then destroyed.
Over the weekend, Ukraine's Security Service said that it had struck more than 40 bombers deep inside Russian territory in an operation dubbed "Spiderweb." Video released by Ukraine showed drones targeting the Belaya air base in the Irktusk region, almost 3,000 miles from Ukraine.
The operation made headlines around the world, both as an example of Ukraine's willingness and ingenuity in expanding the war beyond the front lines as well as the escalating risk that drones pose to military assets once thought to be far beyond the reach of adversaries.
Ukraine appears to have targeted Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers, which are considered by military analysts to be crucial to the Russian air force.
Beyond the military importance, the destruction of the bombers was also a blow to Russia's international standing and the image of its president, Vladimir Putin.
