The Kremlin has confirmed that Russia will strike back following Ukraine’s high-impact drone offensive, Operation Spider’s Web, which targeted military airbases across Russia.
The announcement comes after a 75-minute phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, where Putin emphasized a strong retaliatory stance.
During the conversation, Trump posted on Truth Social, Putin made it “very clear” that Russia would respond forcefully to the June 1 drone attack that reportedly destroyed over 40 Russian bomber aircraft, often used in attacks on Kyiv.
“It was a good conversation, but not one that will lead to immediate peace,” Trump stated.
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has taken credit for the covert strike, which took over 18 months to plan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that the operation was carried out to cripple Russia’s aerial offensive capabilities.
The Russian government, through official channels, confirmed that retaliation will occur “as and when our military deems it appropriate.” Although details remain classified, reports suggest Russian armed forces are preparing a proportionate response aimed at neutralizing further Ukrainian advances.
Just hours after the Trump-Putin call, Russia launched a new wave of airstrikes on Ukraine. According to Associated Press, six Russian drones hit a residential area in Pyluky, killing five civilians, including a one-year-old child.
President Zelensky reported that 103 drones and one ballistic missile were launched across several Ukrainian regions, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odessa, Dnipro, and Kherson.
Carried out on June 1, Operation Spider’s Web was a high-risk drone offensive by Ukraine targeting deep military infrastructure in Russia. It marked one of the most ambitious Ukrainian attacks since the war began, disrupting Russia’s strategic air operations.
