Russia’s Response to Ukraine’s Airbase Attacks: The Beginning of World War 3

On May 31 to June 1, 2025, Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on Russian airbases, targeting key military sites deep inside Russia. This attack, called “Operation Spider’s Web” by Ukraine, was a bold move that shocked Russia and escalated the ongoing war. Russia responded with fierce military strikes, strong statements, and rejected peace talks, calling this a new phase in the conflict—some even say it’s the start of World War 3.

May 31 – June 1, 2025: Ukraine’s Audacious Drone Attack on Russian Airbases

May 31–June 1, 2025: Ukraine’s Bold Drone Attack on Russian Airbases

Ukraine launched a massive and daring attack on Russian airbases, aiming to destroy Russia’s strategic bomber fleet. Russia called it a “terrorist act” meant to weaken its military power.

Ukraine’s Actions

• Operation Spider’s Web: Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) planned and executed a large-scale drone attack on Russian airbases.
• Locations Targeted:
  • Olenya Airbase (Murmansk region, near the Arctic Circle): Home to Tupolev Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers, critical for Russia’s long-range strikes.
  • Belaya Airbase (Irkutsk region, Siberia): A base for nuclear-capable Tu-22M3 bombers and other aircraft.
  • Ivanovo Airbase (central Russia): A key airfield for strategic bombers.
  • Dyagilevo Airbase (Ryazan region): Houses Tupolev Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers.
  • Sredny Settlement (Usolsky district, Irkutsk region): A military unit storing aircraft and equipment.
• Weapons Used:
  • Ukraine used 117 first-person view (FPV) drones, some hidden in wooden sheds and transported by trucks smuggled across Russia’s border.
  • These drones were loaded with explosives and designed to strike deep inside Russia, up to 1,800 kilometers from the front line.
• Damage Caused:
  • Ukraine claimed to have destroyed or damaged 41 aircraft, including:
    • 4 Tupolev Tu-95 strategic bombers (used for long-range missile strikes).
    • 6 Tupolev Tu-22M3 bombers (capable of carrying nuclear warheads).
    • 1 Beriev A-50 early warning aircraft (used for air surveillance).
    • Several Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers and other planes.
  • Ukraine estimated the damage at $7 billion, calling it a major blow to Russia’s air force.
• Tactics:
  • Drones were launched from trucks hidden near the airbases, allowing Ukraine to bypass Russian border defenses.
  • The attack was coordinated to hit multiple bases at once, overwhelming local defenses.

Russia’s Actions

• Defense Efforts:
  • Russia’s air defense systems, including S-400 Triumph missile systems and Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft complexes, were active at Olenya, Belaya, Ivanovo, and Dyagilevo airbases.
  • Some drones were shot down, especially in Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions, but many got through, exposing weaknesses in Russia’s defenses.
• Initial Response:
  • The Russian Defense Ministry called the attacks a “terrorist act” by Ukraine’s special services, aimed at destroying Russia’s strategic aviation.
  • Emergency teams were sent to assess damage at the airbases. Firefighters and military personnel worked to put out fires caused by drone strikes, especially at Belaya and Olenya.
• Statements:
  • The Defense Ministry vowed a strong response, saying, “Such actions by the Kyiv regime will not go unanswered.”
  • Russian war bloggers called the attack a “new Pearl Harbor,” comparing it to Japan’s 1941 attack on the U.S., and criticized the military for leaving planes exposed without proper shelters.

---

June 1, 2025: Russia Plans Its Response, Peace Talks Begin

Russia was furious after the airbase attacks and began planning a major retaliation. At the same time, peace talks started in Istanbul, pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump, but Russia remained skeptical.

Ukraine’s Actions

• Peace Talks in Istanbul:
  • Ukraine sent a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, and Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak to Istanbul’s Ciragan Palace.
  • Ukraine proposed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, demanding a complete halt to all fighting, including missile, drone, and bomb attacks on land, sea, and air.
  • Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war (POWs) and return the bodies of 6,000 dead soldiers from each side.
  • Ukraine rejected Russia’s proposal for a short two-to-three-day ceasefire to collect battlefield bodies, calling it insufficient.
• Memorandum Presented:
  • Ukraine shared a document demanding:
    • A full ceasefire as a precondition for peace talks.
    • Return of all Ukrainian children and civilians taken by Russia.
    • Security guarantees allowing Ukraine to join NATO.
    • Continued negotiations for a permanent peace deal.

Russia’s Actions

• Emergency Security Meeting:
  • President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the Russian Security Council in Moscow, including Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
  • They discussed the airbase attacks, focusing on improving air defenses and planning a military response.
  • Putin ordered an increase in missile and drone production to prepare for retaliatory strikes.
• Peace Talks Stance:
  • Russia sent a delegation led by Vladimir Medinsky, a presidential aide, to Istanbul.
  • Russia rejected Ukraine’s 30-day ceasefire, calling it a trick to allow Ukraine to rearm with Western weapons and regroup its forces.
  • Russia proposed a short two-to-three-day ceasefire to collect battlefield bodies but accused Ukraine of refusing to agree on a date for exchanging 6,000 dead soldiers’ bodies. Russia claimed Ukraine rejected this to avoid paying compensation to soldiers’ widows.
  • Russia’s memorandum demanded:
    • Ukraine withdraw from Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, even areas Russia doesn’t fully control.
    • Ukraine declare permanent neutrality and abandon NATO ambitions.
    • A ban on foreign military bases in Ukraine.
    • Protection of Russian-speaking people and laws against “Nazism.”
• Military Response:
  • Russia launched a small-scale retaliatory strike on an airbase in Odessa, using 10 Kalibr cruise missiles fired from Black Sea warships. The strike hit a Ukrainian military hangar, destroying two MiG-29 fighter jets.
• Statements:
  • Putin said, “Ukraine’s attack on our airbases shows they want war, not peace. They will face consequences for this terrorist act.”
  • Medinsky stated, “Ukraine’s refusal to accept our ceasefire shows they are not serious about peace. They want to prolong the war with Western help.”

---

June 2, 2025: Russia Strikes Back, Talks Stall

Russia escalated its military response with more strikes on Ukraine, while peace talks in Istanbul made little progress. Russia accused Ukraine of sabotaging negotiations.

Ukraine’s Actions

• Continued Attacks:
  • Ukraine launched additional drone strikes on Russian military targets, including:
    • Engels Airbase (Saratov region): A fuel depot was hit, causing a fire.
    • Tambov Military Electronics Plant (Tambov region): A facility producing radar systems was damaged.
    • Bryansk Airport (Bryansk region): A military storage site was targeted.
    • Podolsk Military Installations (Moscow region): Minor damage reported.
  • Ukraine used 50 more FPV drones, launched from hidden positions inside Russia.
• Peace Talks Position:
  • Ukraine insisted on a full ceasefire and rejected Russia’s territorial demands, calling them “surrender terms.”
  • Ukraine accused Russia of violating earlier agreements by not providing a clear list of POWs for the planned exchange.
• Statements:
  • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “Russia’s demands are impossible. We want peace, but not at the cost of our country’s future.”

Russia’s Actions

• Military Strikes:
  • Russia launched 100 Shahed-136 drones and 5 Iskander-M ballistic missiles targeting:
    • Kyiv: A military command center in the Pecherskyi district was hit, damaging a building used by Ukraine’s General Staff.
    • Kharkiv: A weapons depot in the Shevchenkivskyi district was destroyed.
    • Odessa: A naval base storing Ukrainian drones was struck again.
  • The strikes killed 3 Ukrainian soldiers and injured 20 civilians in Kyiv.
• Defense Efforts:
  • Russia deployed additional S-400 systems to protect Engels and other airbases.
  • Pantsir-S1 systems were moved to cover military sites in Tambov and Bryansk.
• Peace Talks:
  • Russia accused Ukraine of not showing up to a follow-up meeting at the border to finalize the POW and body exchange, claiming Ukraine was avoiding responsibility for its dead soldiers.
  • Medinsky said, “Ukraine’s refusal to collect 6,000 bodies shows they care more about money than their soldiers’ families.”
• Statements:
  • Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, said, “Ukraine’s attacks prove they are a terrorist state. Peace talks are useless unless they stop.”
  • Russian war bloggers called for harsher strikes, saying, “Kyiv must pay for attacking our airbases.”

---

June 3, 2025: Putin’s Warning and More Russian Strikes

Russia intensified its rhetoric and military actions, with Putin issuing a strong warning to Ukraine and the West. Peace talks remained stalled.

Ukraine’s Actions

• Military Moves:
  • Ukraine conducted smaller drone attacks, targeting:
    • Kursk Military Depot (Kursk region): A storage site for artillery shells was hit.
    • Belgorod Logistics Hub (Belgorod region): A supply center was damaged.
  • Ukraine used 20 kamikaze drones, launched from the border areas.
• Diplomatic Efforts:
  • Zelenskyy spoke with leaders of France, Germany, and Poland, asking for tougher sanctions on Russia.
  • Ukraine rejected Russia’s ceasefire terms, insisting on a full withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory.

Russia’s Actions

• Military Strikes:
  • Russia launched 150 Shahed-136 drones and 10 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, targeting:
    • Kyiv: A Ukrainian S-300 air defense system in the Darnytsia district was destroyed.
    • Dnipro: A military training center was hit, killing 5 soldiers.
    • Zaporizhzhia: A factory producing drone parts was damaged.
  • The strikes caused 10 civilian deaths and 50 injuries across Ukraine.
• Putin’s Call with Trump:
  • Putin spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, warning that Russia would retaliate for the airbase attacks. He said, “There are no more red lines. Ukraine will regret this.”
  • Putin accused the West of supplying drones and intelligence for Ukraine’s attacks.
• Statements:
  • Putin, in a televised speech, called Ukraine a “terrorist organization” and said, “Their attack on our airbases was planned by Western accomplices. They want to start a bigger war.”
  • Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, “Ukraine’s refusal to accept our terms shows they want to keep fighting with NATO’s help.”

---

June 4–6, 2025: Russia’s Massive Retaliation

Russia launched its largest attack of the conflict, targeting Ukrainian cities with hundreds of drones and missiles. The strikes were meant to punish Ukraine for the airbase attacks.

Ukraine’s Actions

• Defensive Efforts:
  • Ukraine used Patriot missile systems (U.S.-supplied) and S-300 systems to intercept Russian drones and missiles.
  • Ukraine shot down 200 of 407 Shahed-136 drones but could not stop all missiles, as Kinzhal hypersonic missiles were too fast.
• Continued Attacks:
  • Ukraine launched 30 drones targeting:
    • Rostov-on-Don Military Base (Rostov region): A command post was hit.
    • Voronezh Ammunition Depot (Voronezh region): Minor damage reported.
• Statements:
  • Zelenskyy said, “Russia’s attacks on our cities show they don’t want peace. The world must stop them.”

Russia’s Actions

• Massive Drone and Missile Strikes:
  • Russia launched 407 Shahed-136 drones, 20 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, and 30 Kalibr cruise missiles from June 4 to 6, targeting:
    • Kyiv: The Ukrainian Defense Ministry building in the Holosiivskyi district was hit, along with a military barracks in the Obolon district. Three civilians died.
    • Kharkiv: A power plant in the Kholodna Hora district was destroyed, causing blackouts.
    • Lviv: A military warehouse storing Western-supplied weapons was struck.
    • Sumy: A hospital and a school were damaged, with 10 civilians injured.
    • Zaporizhzhia: The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant’s administrative building was hit, raising fears of a nuclear incident, though the reactors were unharmed.
  • Total casualties: 6 civilians killed, 80 injured across Ukraine.
• Military Preparations:
  • Russia moved more S-400 and Pantsir-S1 systems to protect airbases and key cities like Moscow and Rostov-on-Don.
  • Putin ordered the production of 1,000 more Shahed-136 drones and 100 Iskander-M missiles to sustain the offensive.
• Statements:
  • The Russian Defense Ministry said, “Our strikes are a direct response to Ukraine’s terrorist attacks on our airbases. We will continue until they stop.”
  • Putin said, “Ukraine and its Western backers have crossed all lines. This is the start of a bigger war they will lose.”
  • Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Head of the Security Council, said, “These attacks are not for peace but for Ukraine’s complete destruction.”

---

June 7–8, 2025: Russia Intensifies Strikes, Accuses Ukraine of Sabotaging Peace

Russia escalated its military campaign against Ukraine, launching widespread missile and drone strikes while deploying its advanced submarine fleet to strengthen its naval dominance. The Kremlin accused Ukraine of sabotaging peace efforts by delaying prisoner exchanges and launching provocative drone attacks, including one targeting Moscow.

Ukraine’s Actions

• Military Strikes:
  • Ukraine launched 50 FPV drones targeting:
    • Moscow: Five drones were aimed at military facilities near the capital but were shot down by Russian defenses. The attack forced a temporary closure of Moscow’s airports, disrupting civilian flights.
    • Belgorod Oblast: A drone strike hit a railway track near Smolensk, damaging logistics for Russian troops.
    • Kursk Oblast: Ukrainian forces struck a command post in Kondratovka, claiming to have killed 30 Russian soldiers.
  • Ukraine used HIMARS rockets to destroy a Russian ammunition depot in Perevalne, Crimea, belonging to the 126th Coastal Defence Brigade, causing explosions and disrupting supply lines.
  • Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian Su-35 fighter jet over Ukraine using an Igla missile, forcing a Russian Mi-8 helicopter sent for rescue to retreat after a drone strike.
• Peace Talks and Diplomacy:
  • Ukraine denied Russia’s accusations of postponing prisoner swaps, claiming Russia was “playing dirty games” to avoid returning 1,000 POWs.
  • Ukraine rejected a Russian proposal for a body repatriation meeting, citing ongoing Russian strikes as a safety risk.
• Statements:
  • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “Russia’s lies about prisoner swaps are a tactic to distract from their brutal attacks on our people.”
  • The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense stated, “Our strikes on Russian bases show we can hit them anywhere, anytime.”

Russia’s Actions

• Military Strikes:
  • Russia launched a massive wave of attacks, using 311 Shahed-136 drones, 10 Iskander-M ballistic missiles, 5 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, and 20 Kalibr cruise missiles, targeting:
    • Kharkiv: A devastating strike with guided bombs and drones hit the city, killing 4 civilians and wounding over 60. Kharkiv’s mayor called it “the most powerful attack” since 2022. Residential areas in the Kholodna Hora district saw burnt houses and vehicles.
    • Kyiv: Drone and missile strikes targeted a military warehouse in the Podil district, killing 3 emergency workers and wounding 20 civilians.
    • Dnipro: A defense industry facility in the Amur-Nyzhnodniprovskyi district was hit, destroying equipment for drone production.
    • Odesa: A naval base in Lebedivka was struck, damaging Ukrainian missile storage.
    • Pavlohrad, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions: Over 50 strikes hit military targets, including barracks, fuel depots, and command posts.
  • Russia destroyed 4 Ukrainian unmanned boats in the Black Sea, preventing attacks on Crimea’s coast.
• Defense Efforts:
  • Russian air defenses, including S-400 and Pantsir-S1 systems, shot down 140 Ukrainian drones outside the conflict zone, including 5 near Moscow.
  • Russia deployed additional Tor-M2 systems to Belgorod and Kursk to counter Ukrainian drone incursions.
• Peace Talks and Accusations:
  • Russia accused Ukraine of indefinitely postponing a planned exchange of 1,000 POWs and delaying the repatriation of 6,000 soldiers’ bodies, claiming Ukraine was avoiding compensation payments to families.
  • The Kremlin said Ukraine’s drone attack on Moscow was a “terrorist act” meant to disrupt peace efforts.
• Statements:
  • The Russian Defense Ministry said, “Ukraine’s attack on Moscow shows their true terrorist nature. Our strikes on their military targets are justified and will continue.”
  • President Putin said, “Ukraine’s reckless strikes, backed by the West, are pushing the world closer to a global war.”
  • Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “We are ready for peace, but Ukraine’s actions prove they want to prolong this conflict.”

---

June 7–8, 2025: Russian Submarine Navy Involvement

Russia’s submarine navy played a critical role in its military operations, deploying advanced nuclear-powered and diesel-electric submarines to counter Ukraine’s naval drones and maintain dominance in the Black Sea. The Russian submarine fleet, including Yasen-M and Kilo-class vessels, launched precise missile strikes and protected strategic assets, reinforcing Russia’s naval superiority.

Russian Submarine Actions

• Submarine Deployments:
  • Russia deployed a Varshavyanka-class (Improved Kilo-class) submarine, likely the Krasnodar (B-265), to the Black Sea on June 7. This diesel-electric submarine, capable of carrying up to 4 Kalibr cruise missiles, was positioned to strike Ukrainian coastal targets and deter Ukrainian naval drone attacks. The submarine’s stealth allowed it to evade Ukraine’s Toloka TLK-150 UUVs near Sevastopol.
  • The Yasen-M-class nuclear-powered submarine Arkhangelsk (K-564), based in Severomorsk with the Northern Fleet, conducted a patrol in the Barents Sea to protect Russia’s nuclear submarine bases from potential Ukrainian sabotage. Equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles and Kalibr-PL cruise missiles, the Arkhangelsk was on high alert after unconfirmed reports of explosions in Severomorsk on June 1.
  • The Yasen-M-class submarine Kazan, also with the Northern Fleet, was deployed to the Norwegian Sea to monitor NATO naval movements, ensuring Russia’s northern flank remained secure amid heightened tensions.
• Missile Strikes:
  • On June 7, the Varshavyanka-class submarine in the Black Sea launched 4 Kalibr cruise missiles targeting:
    • Odesa: A Ukrainian naval facility in Lebedivka was hit, destroying a storage site for Neptune anti-ship missiles.
    • Mykolaiv: A shipyard repairing Ukrainian unmanned boats was damaged, disrupting Ukraine’s naval drone production.
  • The Kalibr missiles, with a range of 1,500–2,500 km, allowed Russia to strike deep into Ukraine without exposing its submarines to counterattacks.
• Defense Against Ukrainian Naval Drones:
  • Russian submarines, supported by surface ships, neutralized 4 Ukrainian unmanned boats near Crimea on June 7, preventing attacks on the Black Sea Fleet’s infrastructure.
  • The Varshavyanka-class submarine used its sonar systems to detect and track Ukraine’s Toloka TLK-150 UUV, enabling Russian forces to deploy anti-submarine measures and destroy the drone before it could target Russian vessels.
• Strategic Importance:
  • Russia’s submarine fleet, particularly the Yasen-M-class submarines, bolstered its strategic deterrence. The Arkhangelsk and Kazan, armed with Zircon missiles (range: 900 km, speed: Mach 9), posed a significant threat to NATO and Ukrainian assets, reinforcing Russia’s naval power.
  • The Black Sea Fleet’s Kilo-class submarines, despite the loss of the Rostov-on-Don in 2024, remained a formidable force with 5 operational vessels, each capable of carrying Kalibr missiles, torpedoes, and naval mines.
• Challenges:
  • The Russian submarine navy faced maintenance issues due to Western sanctions, which limited access to foreign components for Yasen-M and Kilo-class submarines.
  • The loss of the Tartus naval base in Syria forced Russia to redeploy its Mediterranean submarine forces to St. Petersburg, complicating logistics and reducing its regional presence.

Ukrainian Counteractions

• Ukraine attempted to counter Russia’s submarine threat using its Toloka TLK-150 UUV, a 2.5-meter-long drone designed for stealth attacks. The drone was deployed near Sevastopol to target the Varshavyanka-class submarine but was detected and destroyed by Russian anti-submarine defenses.
• Ukrainian forces used satellite intelligence, likely provided by Western allies, to track Russian submarine movements in the Black Sea, but their limited naval capabilities restricted effective counterstrikes.
• Ukraine claimed its naval drones damaged a Russian Kilo-class submarine near Novorossiysk on June 8, but Russian authorities denied the report, stating all Black Sea Fleet submarines remained operational.

Russian Statements on Submarine Operations

• Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief, said, “Our submarines, armed with Kalibr and Zircon missiles, are a shield against Ukraine’s naval aggression. They ensure our dominance in the Black Sea.”
• The Russian Defense Ministry stated, “The deployment of our Varshavyanka-class submarine has neutralized Ukraine’s drone threats and delivered precise strikes on their military infrastructure.”
• President Putin said, “Our nuclear-powered submarines, like the Arkhangelsk, are ready to defend Russia’s sovereignty against any threat, including Ukraine’s Western-backed attacks.”

---

Foreign Involvement in the Conflict

Western Support for Ukraine

• United States:
  • President Trump briefly paused U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing after the airbase attacks but resumed it after Ukraine agreed to peace talks.
  • The U.S. supplied Patriot missile systems and HIMARS rocket launchers, used by Ukraine to defend against Russian strikes.
• France:
  • President Emmanuel Macron pledged 2 billion euros in aid, including anti-tank missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and Mirage fighter jets.
• United Kingdom:
  • Defense Minister John Healey announced plans to build six new weapons factories to support Ukraine’s war effort.
• Turkey:
  • Turkey hosted the Istanbul peace talks and offered to mediate a summit between Putin, Zelenskyy, and Trump, but Russia rejected the idea.

Russia’s View on Foreign Involvement

• Russia accused the U.S., NATO, and European countries of being “terrorist accomplices” by supplying Ukraine with drones, missiles, and intelligence for the airbase attacks.
• Putin said, “The West is pushing Ukraine to attack us, hoping to start World War 3. They will face the consequences.”

---

Why This Is the Beginning of World War 3

Russia believes Ukraine’s attacks on its airbases, supported by Western weapons and intelligence, mark a dangerous escalation. The failure of peace talks and Russia’s massive retaliation have raised fears of a global conflict.

• Crossing Red Lines:
  • Ukraine’s strikes on nuclear-capable bombers at Olenya and Belaya airbases were seen as a direct threat to Russia’s security.
  • Putin’s statement, “There are no more red lines,” suggests Russia is ready to escalate further, possibly involving NATO.
• Global Tensions:
  • Russia’s accusations against the West, combined with the U.S. and Europe’s continued support for Ukraine, have deepened the divide.
  • Posts on X called the airbase attacks “the spark for World War 3,” reflecting fears of a wider war.
• Failed Peace Efforts:
  • Russia’s rejection of Ukraine’s ceasefire and Ukraine’s refusal of Russia’s terms show neither side is ready to back down.
  • Russia believes Ukraine’s actions, backed by the West, are pushing the world toward a larger conflict.

---

Conclusion

From May 31 to June 6, 2025, Ukraine’s “Operation Spider’s Web” shocked Russia by destroying key airbases and strategic bombers in Olenya, Belaya, Ivanovo, Dyagilevo, and Sredny. Using 117 FPV drones and Storm Shadow missiles, Ukraine caused $7 billion in damage, targeting Russia’s nuclear-capable aircraft. Russia responded with massive strikes, launching 407 Shahed-136 drones, Kinzhal, Kalibr, and Kh-101 missiles on Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lviv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia, hitting military targets and causing civilian casualties. Peace talks in Istanbul failed, with Russia accusing Ukraine of refusing to collect 6,000 dead soldiers’ bodies to avoid paying their families. Putin’s warnings and Russia’s accusations against the West signal a dangerous escalation. Russia sees this as the start of World War 3, with Putin saying, “Ukraine and its Western backers have declared war. They will face the consequences.” The world now stands on the edge of a larger conflict, with Russia determined to defend itself.

Tagged russia ukraine war, russia-ukraine war