Invisible Strike, Visible Damage: The Role of Satellite Imagery in the Russia–Ukraine Conflict

On June 1, 2025, Ukraine launched what it called Operation Spiderweb, a coordinated strike using autonomous explosive drones against five Russian air bases, including the strategic Engels Air Base. The offensive, meticulously planned over 18 months, employed an advanced system of camouflaged drones that had been previously infiltrated into Russian territory and remotely activated to strike sensitive military targets in a synchronized manner. Located in the Saratov region, Engels Air Base hosts part of the Russian Federation’s strategic aviation fleet, including long-range bombers such as the Tupolev Tu-95 and Tu-160, which are frequently used to launch cruise missile attacks against Ukrainian territory. On June 3, 2025, international media outlets released satellite images obtained from commercial providers, revealing the impact of the Ukrainian attack . Complementing this coverage, Prof. Dr. Cristiano Torres retrieved Sentinel-2 satellite imagery captured on two critical dates: May 24, 2025, just days before the attack, and June 5, 2025, immediately after the event . A comparative analysis of these images clearly shows the extent of the damage inflicted on the military airfield. In the pre-attack images, several aircraft can be seen parked on the base’s tarmac. In the post-attack images, extensive burn marks, craters near the runway, and the absence or destruction of multiple aircraft are evident, highlighting the direct effects of the explosions. In addition to the aircraft hit, support structures such as hangars, ammunition depots, and refueling areas also appear to have sustained damage, significantly impairing the base’s operational and logistical capabilities. The attack marked a turning point in the ongoing war, demonstrating the increasing sophistication of Ukraine’s methods and its ability to conduct long-range operations with surgical precision—even deep within heavily defended enemy territory. This action not only weakened Russia’s aerial capabilities but also signaled a new phase in the technological and asymmetric warfare between the two countries.