Photo : Business Standard
Photo : Business Standard
By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 01 June, The Moscow Times reported that in the Operation Spider Web, Ukrainian Security Services (SBU) destroyed Russian bombers and caused damage worth USD seven billion to the Russian aircraft. The aircraft were located at four air bases in the city of Belaya, and Olenya in eastern Siberia, one in the Arctic, near Finland, and in Ivanovo and Dyagilevo, east of Moscow. Video footages show that the aircraft was engulfed in flames. A source in the SBU said that 41 planes that were used to “bomb Ukrainian villages” were destroyed. They also said that the drones that were concealed on the surface of the containers were released, causing the assault. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the operation and called it brilliant, and the country’s “long-range operation”.
On 02 June, Reuters reported that Ukraine’s SBU was able to attack the Russian airbases by hiding explosive-laden drones inside the roof of the wooden containers. Officials said that the containers were loaded onto the trucks and were driven to the air base, where they were released and began their attack.
On 02 June, The Kyiv Independent reported that Russia launched a large number of drones at Ukraine at midnight. Russia used 472 Shahed-type attack drones, and this attack has surpassed the previous record of 100 drones. According to the Russian Air Force, 500 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), three Iskander M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, and four Kh-101 Iskander air and ground-based cruise missiles were used. The Ukrainian Air Force has dodged 210 drones, and 172 were suppressed by the electronic warfare, and said that the Russian attacks were intercepted in 18 regions. This attack came before the Operation SpiderWeb, coordinated by the SBU.
On 01 June, The Kyiv Independent reported on the incident of train derailment in Bryansk Oblast, Russia. According to the Bryansk Oblast Governor Alexander Bogomaz, there have been confirmed seven deaths and 69 people injured. Before this, there was a collapse of an overhead road bridge. Russian Telegram Channel ASTRA reported that around 379 people were aboard at the time of the derailment, and the train sustained major damage. Preliminary reports by the state-owned Russian Railways state that there were explosions in the Vgonichsky district of Bryansk, and claim that the bridge collapse was due to an interference in the transport operations. There was no further information provided on the derailment.
On 02 June, Ukrinform reported that according to the Mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, there were enemy drones in the region and people to remain cautious. Following this announcement on Telegram, Terekhov confirmed two ballistic missiles launched at the region, resulting in five people injured and damage to enterprise buildings, cars, and private houses.
On 02 June, Ukrinform reported that the head of the Kherson Regional State Administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, released a statement on social media on the Russian attacks on the region by artillery, shelling, drones, and several airstrikes. This resulted in the damage of apartments, private houses, gas pipelines, warehouse facilities, agricultural machinery, and many more. Prokudin said these attacks have resulted in the deaths of three and 19 injuries.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 01 June, The Moscow Times reported that the Russian Defence Ministry responded to the Operation Spider Web, and confirmed that there were no casualties recorded and many of their military aircraft were caught on fire. The Russian military calls it a huge blow for Moscow, and pointed out the errors of the Russian intelligence.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 02 June, The Kyiv Independent reported that Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a phone call before the peace talks in Istanbul. Lavrov and Rubio exchanged their views on several factors, especially the settlement crisis of Ukraine. The US State Department confirmed that Russia requested a call, and Rubio spoke on behalf of US President Donald Trump for direct talks with Ukraine and aimed for lasting peace. Rubio expressed his condolences for the deaths in the train incident in Bryansk Oblast, Russia.
On 01 June, Reuters reported that the Ukrainian negotiators are to propose a “roadmap” to peace to the Russian side during the peace talks. The proposal begins with a full ceasefire for 30 days, followed by the return of all prisoners held by each side, and lastly, a direct talk between Zelenskyy and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. As per the blueprint, the US and Europe will participate and discuss the terms that are agreed upon by both parties, and end the conflict. The blueprint was sent to Russia much in advance of the peace talks.
On 02 June, Reuters reported that the Russian and Ukrainian officials are to sit down for the second round of peace talks in Istanbul. Despite this, both parties are far apart on ending the war, and the rate of fighting has increased. Trump has demanded that he step away if both regions are “stubborn” in reaching a peace deal.
References
“Kharkiv under drone, missile attack,” Ukrinform, 02 June 2025
“Fatalities, injuries reported as Russians attack Kherson region,” Ukrinform, 02 June 2025
“Ukraine Strikes Russian Bombers Ahead of Istanbul Talks,” The Moscow Times, 01 June 2025
Tom Balmforth, “Exclusive: Ukraine to set out roadmap for peace at Istanbul talks, document shows,” Reuters, 01 June 2025
Lucy Pakhnyuk, “Lavrov, Rubio discuss peace settlement ahead of Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul,” The Kyiv Independent, 02 June 2025
“Russia shatters drone record, launches 472 UAVs at Ukraine night before Kyiv's strike on Russian airfields,” The Kyiv Independent, 02 June 2025
“Mass casualties after Russian train derailment and bridge collapse in Bryansk Oblast, officials say,” The Kyiv Independent, 02 June 2025
Ukrinform, 30 May 2025
Vladimir Soldatkin & Tom Balmforth, “Russia and Ukraine to talk about peace but are still far apart,” Reuters, 02 June 2025
Tom Balmforth & Max Hunder, “To attack Russian air bases, Ukrainian spies hid drones in wooden sheds,” Reuters, 02 June 2025
“War update: 114 clashes reported on frontline since morning, most intense fighting in Pokrovsk, Kursk sectors,” Ukrinform, 28 May 2025