Why Ukraine’s Surprise Attack Is Being Called ‘Russia’s Pearl Harbor’

Ukraine’s daring drone strike on Russian air bases, reaching as far as Siberia, has stunned U.S. military analysts with its boldness. The Ukrainian Security Service claimed that the operation, known as Operation Spider’s Web, caused significant damage to Russia, destroying about one-third of its air missile carriers, some of which are irreplaceable, with estimated damages of $7 billion. Despite ongoing peace talks in Istanbul, the attack delivered a strategic blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin and garnered attention for Ukraine’s achievement with limited resources. The cost-effective deployment of drones, estimated at around $160,000, enabled Ukrainian spies to infiltrate Russian territory and launch explosive-laden drones from remote locations, drawing comparisons to historical surprise attacks such as the Trojan War and Japan’s assault on Pearl Harbor during World War II.

The meticulously planned attack, which took over a year and a half to execute, was overseen by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukrainian military officials revealed that approximately 120 AI-powered drones were smuggled into Russia inside wooden sheds mounted on trucks. These drones were then remotely launched from the sheds, targeting 41 planes at military airfields, including crucial Russian long-range bombers. The strike caused damage to multiple air bases across Russia, including in Siberia, challenging the distance constraints of Ukraine’s weaponry.

The attack has drawn parallels to Japan’s Pearl Harbor raid, which reshaped the rules of warfare in 1941, with some analysts highlighting the audacity and effectiveness of Ukraine’s operation. While the U.S. military has not publicly commented, senior defense officials acknowledged the sophistication of the attack, emphasizing its unprecedented nature. Retired generals commended Ukraine’s strategic prowess, indicating a shift in the balance of power on the battlefield. The mission’s success has underscored Ukraine’s military capabilities and demonstrated its ability to outmaneuver larger adversaries with innovative tactics.