The special operation “Spider Web” to destroy Russian strategic bombers deep inside Russian territory has significantly strengthened Ukraine’s reputation and the authority of its Defense Forces.
This was stated in an exclusive comment to Ukrinform’s correspondent in Vienna by retired Austrian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Christian Segur-Сabanaс, president of the Society for Political and Strategic Studies (STRATEG).
“The latest successful strike—I mean the drone attack on the runways of strategic bombers—proves that even operations that until recently seemed more like military tales than reality can become a reality. I am convinced that this has significantly strengthened the reputation of Ukraine, as well as the reputation of President Zelensky and his government, and, of course, the authority of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” Segur-Сabanaс commented on Operation Spider Web.
The retired Austrian lieutenant general pointed out that, in addition to the destruction and damage of Russian strategic bombers, the psychological dimension of this operation is also of great importance.
“First of all, we are talking about the impact in terms of psychological warfare. It is simply impossible to pretend [to Russia] that nothing has happened. The fact that a country like Ukraine, which is engaged in a difficult defensive struggle against Russian aggression, is capable of planning such an operation at a distance of more than 4,500 kilometers, preparing it for a year and a half, successfully implementing it, and damaging or destroying a significant number of strategic bombers is an invaluable achievement. The psychological effect on our own Armed Forces is particularly important – “we can do it.” And, of course, this enhances the authority of Ukraine and its armed forces throughout the world,” he emphasized.
As reported by Ukrinform, on June 1, the SSU carried out a unique special operation to simultaneously strike four military airfields in the rear of the Russian Federation: Olenia, Ivanovo, Diagilevo, and Belaia. Russian strategic aviation, which regularly shells Ukrainian cities, was based there.
The estimated cost of the equipment destroyed as a result of the SSU special operation exceeds USD 7 billion.
The total losses of the Russian Federation’s aviation amount to 41 units, including A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22, Tu-160, as well as An-12 and Il-78 aircraft.
Photo: Vasyl Korotkyi
Source: Retired Austrian general: Operation Spiderweb boosted Ukraine’s reputation
