Last week, more than 100 drones were launched from within Russian territory toward Russian airbases, as part of Ukraine’s “Spiderweb” operation. According to Ukrainian sources, around one-third of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet was damaged.
Senior U.S. officials assess that Russia’s response to the Ukrainian drone offensive has not yet reached its peak, and is expected to escalate soon into a “significant and multi-front” counterattack, Reuters reported Sunday.
Russian bomber hit by a Ukrainian drone – WATCH:
Almost 5000km from Ukraine, a Ukrainian drone operator takes his time in choosing the perfect point of impact to destroy this Tu-95 strategic bomber that regularly rains missiles on the cities of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/CqDcHqY35I
— Kyiv Insider (@KyivInsider) June 1, 2025
“A significant strike is expected”
One source described the likely response as “asymmetrical”—meaning it may not mirror Ukraine’s drone tactics, but instead target different objectives using varied methods. Another official emphasized that Russia’s retaliation would involve both missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
A Western diplomatic source noted that Russia may soon escalate attacks on symbolic targets such as government buildings, aiming to send a forceful message. Another senior diplomat described the expected response as “massive, brutal, and unrelenting.”
Michael Kofman, a Russia expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Russia may attempt to strike Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), which is believed to be behind the operation. He also noted that medium-range ballistic missiles might be used.
Friday’s attack—only the beginning
Air raid sirens sounded across Ukraine overnight between Friday and Saturday, as Russian bombers launched dozens of cruise missiles. At the same time, hundreds of suicide drones and several ballistic missiles were fired at targets throughout the country.
In Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, numerous strikes were recorded on residential buildings, industrial facilities, gas stations, and transport infrastructure. Four people were killed and dozens more were injured in the attack on the city.
