**Breaking News: Operation Spider Web Leaves Russia’s Tu-160 Unscathed – A Strategic Choice or Missed Opportunity?**
In a stunning twist of events, Ukraine’s recent “Spider Web Operation,” hailed as one of the most successful military missions of the 21st century, has raised urgent questions about its tactical choices. While Ukraine’s Security Service targeted older bombers like the Tu-95 and Tu-22, the advanced Tu-160, Russia’s pride and cornerstone of its nuclear arsenal, was left untouched. Why?
This strategic decision has sent shockwaves through military analysts and political circles alike. The Tu-160, a supersonic bomber celebrated for its technological superiority, symbolizes Russia’s military might and national pride. President Putin himself has lauded it as a reliable and formidable asset, making its preservation a potential political statement. Analysts speculate that Ukraine may have deliberately avoided striking the Tu-160 to prevent provoking a nuclear response from Moscow, especially as tensions escalate and red lines blur.
While Ukraine did strike the Kazan aircraft plant earlier this year, where Tu-160s are manufactured, the silence from Russia suggests a complex game of deterrence. If targeting the Tu-160 could trigger an aggressive escalation, Ukraine’s restraint may reflect a calculated risk assessment.
Moreover, questions arise about the operational capabilities of Ukraine’s drones. Reports suggest that advanced AI technology was employed, yet the absence of a Tu-160 target raises doubts about recognition capabilities. With the Tu-160 rarely deployed in combat, Ukraine may have opted to strike more accessible targets to frame its narrative as a righteous defender against aggression.
As the dust settles on this operation, the implications are profound. Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory while avoiding a nuclear confrontation is a tactical marvel. But the survival of the Tu-160 poses a chilling question: how long before it becomes a target? The next wave of drone strikes could change the balance of power overnight. The world watches with bated breath as the stakes continue to rise in this high-stakes conflict.