Ukraine deals a "severe and humiliating" blow to Putin's army

The Ukrainian operation "Spider Web", which involved 18 months of strategic preparation, was successfully carried out this Sunday. In total, four Russian military airfields, located up to 4,300 kilometres inland, were struck by coordinated and simultaneous drone attacks. 

And according to the Ukrainian security services (SBU), 41 aircraft used to bomb Ukraine are said to have been damaged. Benoist Bihan, a military historian and strategist, estimates that around ten bombers were destroyed, and two others damaged. "The toll is limited," he said.

Even though the destruction of these ten or so aircraft represents 10% of Russia's available strategic bombing force, the results remain significant, says the media outlet L’Indépendant. And if the Ukrainian claims are confirmed, the total could rise to 40%. Moreover, since these aircraft are no longer in production, they cannot be replaced in the short term. As international risk consultant Stéphane Audrand points out, "This is a heavy and all the more humiliating blow, as these strategic bombing forces are something of the crown jewels." 

A weakened force

An attack which therefore gives the Ukrainians some breathing space. The eliminated bombers were being used to strike deep into the territory, notably to conduct raids on Ukrainian soil and attack energy infrastructure. The Russian force has therefore been reduced. And according to Benoist Bihan, this is "a spectacular operation, impressive in its planning, a feat that could have genuine diplomatic ramifications." At a time of negotiations, Ukraine is showing "that it is still capable of carrying out major military operations," notes the historian.

(MH with Manon Pierre - Source: L'Indépendant - Illustration: ©Unsplash)