Fact Check: Ukraine's Special Operations Forces executed a successful mission against Russian airpower!

Fact Check: "Ukraine's Special Operations Forces executed a successful mission against Russian airpower!"

What We Know

The claim that "Ukraine's Special Operations Forces executed a successful mission against Russian airpower" is rooted in several documented operations conducted by Ukrainian military units, particularly the Special Operations Forces (SOF) and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Notably, the operation known as Operation Spiderweb was a significant drone attack carried out on June 1, 2025, targeting Russian airbases deep within Russian territory. This operation reportedly involved the use of 117 drones and resulted in damage to over 40 Russian military aircraft, including strategic bombers such as the Tu-160 and Tu-95.

Moreover, the Ukrainian SOF has been active in various operations aimed at degrading Russian air capabilities, including a recent strike on the Marinovka airfield in the Volgograd region on June 27, 2025, which was part of a coordinated effort to disrupt Russian air operations against Ukraine (Ukrainian Forces Strike). The effectiveness of these operations has been highlighted in various analyses, noting the innovative tactics employed by Ukrainian forces to suppress enemy air defenses (Ukrainian SEAD Operations).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is substantial, particularly concerning Operation Spiderweb, which is described as one of the largest drone attacks on Russian airbases during the ongoing conflict. The operation's planning and execution were reportedly meticulous, taking over 18 months to prepare, indicating a high level of strategic intent and operational capability (Operation Spiderweb). The SBU's claims of hitting over 40 aircraft suggest a significant impact on Russian airpower.

However, while the operations conducted by the Ukrainian SOF and SBU demonstrate a degree of success, the broader context of the conflict must be considered. The ongoing war has seen fluctuating fortunes for both sides, and while specific missions may achieve tactical victories, the overall strategic situation remains complex and fluid. The sources of information, particularly those from Ukrainian military reports, may carry a degree of bias, emphasizing successes while potentially downplaying failures or losses (Special Operations Forces (Ukraine)).

Furthermore, the reliability of the reports on the number of aircraft damaged or destroyed can vary, as independent verification of such claims is often challenging in wartime conditions. Therefore, while the operations have indeed been successful in certain respects, the extent of their impact on the overall airpower balance is less clear.

Conclusion

The claim that "Ukraine's Special Operations Forces executed a successful mission against Russian airpower" is Partially True. There is credible evidence of successful operations, particularly the significant impact of Operation Spiderweb and other strikes on Russian airbases. However, the broader implications of these missions within the ongoing conflict and the potential for exaggeration in reported successes necessitate a cautious interpretation of the claim.

Fact Check: Ukraine's Special Operations Forces executed a successful mission against Russian airpower!