KYIV, Ukraine (CHATNEWSTV) — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday honored members of Ukraine’s Security Service (SSU) for carrying out “Operation Spiderweb,” a secret mission inside Russia that Kyiv says damaged more than $7 billion worth of strategic military aircraft.
The SSU operation, conducted on June 1 and prepared over 18 months, targeted key airfields deep within Russian territory. Ukrainian officials say the mission damaged 41 military aircraft, including Tu-22M3, Tu-95MC, and Tu-95 bombers — aircraft used by Moscow to launch cruise missile attacks on Ukraine — along with A-50 early warning planes.
“This is justice being restored,” Zelenskyy said during a ceremony in Kyiv. “The most important thing that you’ve proven by Operation ‘Spiderweb’ is this: the war is inflicting tangible losses and damage on the aggressor as well.”
According to the president, the aircraft damaged represent 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers. Ukraine estimates the total cost of the losses at over $7 billion.
Zelenskyy, speaking directly to the SSU warriors, said Ukraine was forced into the war and is fighting to defend its sovereignty with all available means.
“Ukraine never wanted this war,” he said. “But we have every right to defend ourselves, our independence, and our people. This right is guaranteed to Ukraine by international law, by the UN Charter, and by simple human common sense.”
He also accused Russia of deepening its reliance on foreign military support from regimes like North Korea and Iran. “They are using ballistic missiles, drones, and artillery from these regimes. Even North Korean special forces are fighting on Russia’s side,” he said.
For their role in the operation, Zelenskyy awarded one officer the Order of the Golden Star, Ukraine’s highest honor. Other participants received decorations including the Cross of Military Merit, Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky (II and III class), Order for Courage, and medals for military service.
Ukrainian authorities say “Spiderweb” demonstrates their ability to carry out long-range, high-impact operations despite Russia’s air superiority.
The SSU has not disclosed how the mission was executed, but the scale and depth of the operation signal a significant evolution in Ukraine’s intelligence and sabotage capabilities.
