‘Spiderweb Showed Ukraine Can Strike Back’: Zelensky Honors SBU for Blow to Russian Aviation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky honored members of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) for their role in the recent Spiderweb special operation on Wednesday. He described the action as a strong example of Ukraine’s right to self-defense under international law.

Ukraine carried out a large-scale drone strike on Russian airfields as part of Operation Spiderweb on Sunday, June 1.

The drones, enhanced with artificial intelligence and launched from cargo trucks inside Russia, reportedly damaged or destroyed more than 40 aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers and an A-50 airborne radar plane. The estimated cost of the damage ranged from $2 billion to as high as $7 billion, Ukrainian officials said.

Zelensky presented the awards during a formal ceremony and shared details of the operation on his official Telegram channel.

“Ukraine has never wanted war, but it has every right to defend its independence and its people,” Zelensky said. “That’s exactly what we’re doing. This is what international law, the UN Charter, and basic human common sense guarantees us.”

The president said the operation showed Ukraine’s ability to fight back and weaken Russia’s military forces. He thanked the SBU for what he called a “brilliant” operation that showed the strength and effectiveness of Ukraine’s defense efforts.

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Margus Tsahkna said Tallinn has no intention of urging Kyiv to scale back its strikes, even after Ukrainian drones have landed in neighboring countries.

Zelensky also said Russia is using a wide range of weapons against Ukraine, including missiles, drones, and strategic aircraft. He added that some of these weapons come from Iran and North Korea, and that North Korean soldiers are reportedly fighting alongside Russian forces.

“In the face of such aggression, Ukraine not only has the right but also the duty to defend itself,” Zelensky said.

“Operation Spiderweb showed that Ukraine can strike back, reduce the enemy’s strength, and restore justice. That is how we move closer to real peace.”