The Ukrainian Spy Agency Behind the Stunning Strike on Russia's Bomber Fleet

Ukraine's SBU security service was behind some key attacks in the war

- James Marson, Jane Lytvynenko & Brenna T. Smith

With its devastating drone assault on Russia's strategic bomber fleet, Ukraine's SBU security service pulled off the kind of spectacular operation that has long fed the mystique of top spy agencies like Israel's Mossad.

The SBU has transformed during the three-year war into the sharp tip of Ukraine's spear after decades of being maligned as corrupt, shot through with traitors and more focused on chasing political opponents than security threats.

Under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Vasyl Maliuk, the agency has taken the fight to Russia with the killings of alleged traitors and Russian military officers as well as with the use of long-range explosive drones that have targeted Russian military-production plants and oil facilities. It has also revolutionized naval warfare by deploying naval drones that forced the Russian Black Sea Fleet to largely abandon its home port in occupied Crimea.

Maliuk, a burly 42-year-old who worked his way up through the ranks of the SBU, has built a reputation as a hands-on leader with a tough streak. In February, Maliuk personally detained a senior officer of the agency who was allegedly spying for Russia.

The SBU's drone attack on Sunday, dubbed Operation Spiderweb, was 18 months in the planning and damaged 41 Russian warplanes at four airfields deep inside Russia, according to the SBU. The agency released fresh drone footage on Wednesday, which showed dozens of drones targeting planes across four Russian airports.

Drones landed on two A-50 planes, which provide early warning of potential threats as well as command and control of the battlefield.