'Spider Web' is the result of a unique symbiosis between human intelligence and technical components of the Service's work - SSU Head Vasyl Maliuk
Security Service of Ukraine
21:10, 12 August 2025
The special operation Spider Web was successful thanks to the unique symbiosis of human intelligence and technical components used by the Security Service of Ukraine. The Head of the SSU, Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk, stated this in an interview with We Are Ukraine (My-Ukraina) TV Channel during the United News telethon.
'Spider Web is a unique, multi-stage operation that includes a number of extremely important components. First, it is logistics, i.e. delivering the equipment itself to the enemy's rear, in our case 150 combat FPV drones. It is the delivery of small houses, inside which the drones were brought to the airfields. It involves human intelligence work, communications and much more. If we look at Spider Web as a whole, we see a comprehensive approach, which included both HUMINT and technology. Our work becomes most effective when there is the right symbiosis,' said Vasyl Maliuk.
To carry out the operational plan, the SSU created a front company in russia — a logistics company in Chelyabinsk. Ukrainian agents rented office space and warehouses there, which were located near the local FSB office. They subsequently purchased five trucks, and the drivers they hired transported various cargoes, thus reinforcing the cover story.
As Vasyl Maliuk emphasized, during the special operation the Security Service constantly solved different tasks, including organizing the delivery of sanctioned goods, in particular battery stations, to russia. The Service's successful experience in combating transnational crime came in handy here.
'Each of the hunting cabins is completely self-sufficient. They were equipped with EcoFlow batteries, solar panels and other equipment. This made it possible to power the drones continuously. The special operation could have taken place during the cold season, when temperatures sometimes drop below minus 40 ºC. The drones had to be fully charged. But this also made it extra tricky to get these houses into russia. We went through 'nine circles of hell' to achieve this result,' Vasyl Maliuk noted.
The Head of the SSU also discussed the means used to destroy the enemy aircraft.
'At first glance, the drones look like ordinary FPVs, but they are unique. They have several types of communication. Each UAV's combat component consisted of two parts weighing 800 grams (1 600 grams total) of a special mixture that we developed specifically for this operation. It has a high explosive effect: to burn through the aircraft's fuselage and cause an explosion inside,' said Vasyl Maliuk.
Ensuring a safe return of the participants of the special operation in russia to Ukraine was also very important. Therefore, when the truck drivers left for the designated airfields, the Ukrainian agents had already left russian territory.
'They came to me at one of the combat control points, and I had the honour of thanking them personally,' said the Head of the Security Service.
Preparations for the special operation were carried out in strict secrecy - only a few people knew the detailed plan. On the appointed day, the best drone operators of the SSU Special Operations Centre 'A' gathered at the combat control point and began to carry out the plan.
'The President was in constant contact with us. He had asked about specific details beforehand and, to be honest, pushed things along. His management style is... as they say, 'don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today', but he works according to the principle of do it yesterday,' said the SSU Head.
The operation Spider Web took place on 1 June 2025. As a result, the SSU destroyed a third of russia's strategic aviation fleet with FPV drones - 41 aircraft.
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