(opinion article)

In a surprise aerial performance several days ago, Ukraine’s drones waltzed into Russian airspace and treated several military airfields to what analysts are calling a “sky-high slap in the face.” Russia, reportedly preparing for another round of “denazifying the clouds,” did not expect 117 uninvited guests to drop in — literally.

Dubbed “Operation Spider’s Web,” the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) orchestrated the strike like a conductor with a grudge. The drones danced past air defenses and delivered explosive encores at five airbases, including Belaya and Dyagilevo — known in aviation circles as the “graveyards of ambition.”

The result? Over 40 Russian aircraft were either reduced to aluminum confetti or now waiting patiently in line at the “Ministry of Repairs and Regrets.” Among the casualties: Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers, previously used to launch missiles at Ukrainian cities, and now launching smoke signals asking for help.

Ukraine estimates the damage at around $7 billion, though some Russian propagandists insist the planes were already broken, on vacation, or just “sleeping.” A Kremlin spokesperson clarified that the incident wasn’t a “failure of air defense,” but rather an “unexpected shift in gravity.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the operation as “absolutely brilliant,” while Russian officials have acknowledged the attacks and initiated investigations.

Social media had a field day, with Ukrainian accounts posting memes of Russian bombers “learning to fly – the hard way” and joking that Russia should consider switching to UberDrone for future logistics.