Fact Check: "Ukrainian drone strikes destroyed nearly a third of Moscow's strategic bombers."
What We Know
On a recent Sunday, Ukraine launched a significant drone attack targeting Russian military airfields, reportedly resulting in the destruction or severe damage of over 40 Russian warplanes, which Ukrainian officials claim constitutes nearly a third of Moscow's strategic bomber fleet. This operation, codenamed "Spiderweb," involved the use of 117 drones and was meticulously planned over a period of 18 months (AP News). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the attack was a critical success for Ukraine, aimed at crippling Russia's ability to conduct missile strikes against Ukrainian cities (BBC).
The operation specifically targeted four military airfields, including the Belaya air base in Irkutsk, which is located more than 4,000 kilometers from Ukraine. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has estimated the damage inflicted on Russia's strategic aviation at around $7 billion (PBS). While the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that attacks occurred, it downplayed the extent of the damage, claiming that many of the strikes were repelled (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that nearly a third of Moscow's strategic bombers were destroyed or damaged is supported by multiple sources, including statements from Ukrainian officials and corroborated by international news outlets. The SBU's assertion that 34% of Russia's strategic cruise missile carriers were affected aligns with reports from both the Associated Press and BBC, which highlight the scale and impact of the drone strikes (AP News, BBC).
However, it is important to note that the Russian government has a history of downplaying losses and may not provide an accurate account of the damage. The Russian Defense Ministry's response, which claimed that many attacks were thwarted, raises questions about the reliability of their statements (PBS). The lack of independent verification of the claims from either side complicates the assessment of the situation. Nevertheless, the consensus among Western media and Ukrainian officials supports the assertion that the drone strikes were a significant blow to Russia's strategic capabilities.
The operation's complexity and the innovative tactics employed, such as using disguised cargo containers to transport drones into Russia, further emphasize the operation's audacity and potential effectiveness in achieving its military objectives (AP News, PBS).
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The evidence supports the claim that Ukrainian drone strikes destroyed or severely damaged nearly a third of Moscow's strategic bombers. The reports from credible sources, including Ukrainian officials and international news outlets, corroborate the scale of the attack and its implications for Russia's military capabilities. While Russian sources may dispute the extent of the damage, the overall consensus indicates a significant operational success for Ukraine.
