Ukraine this weekend struck one of its most devastating blows in its grinding war against Russia’s invading army, using smuggled drones to target bombers on air bases deep inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quickly took credit for what he called "Operation Spider Web," a contrast with many of Ukraine’s attacks inside Russia. He said 117 drones were used in the attack Sunday, each with its own operator back in Ukraine.

Zelensky said the drone attacks took out nearly a third of Moscow’s fleet of bomber aircraft, which has rained terror on his country for more than three years. Ukraine’s security services said 41 Russian aircraft were destroyed or damaged.

Russian military bloggers put the figure lower, with the prominent Rybar account saying 13 Russian aircraft were damaged.

Here’s what to know about the stunning attacks:

How Ukraine pulled it off

Ukraine said “Operation Spider Web” was started 18 months ago, in what military experts called a remarkable feat of logistics, espionage and military cunning.

The bomb-laden drones were hidden in what Reuters reported were the roofs of wooden sheds. These sheds were loaded onto 18-wheelers and parked........

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