Head of the SSU Malyuk reveals details of the special operation "Web"

Head of the SSU Malyuk reveals details of the special operation "Web"

The head of the SSU, Vasyl Malyuk, reported that a unique combination of intelligence and technical work was the key to the success of the special operation "Web." In particular, Ukrainian agents created a fictitious company in Chelyabinsk, imported sanctioned equipment and combat FPV drones, and on June 1, they struck 41 Russian aircraft.

As stated by Vasyl Malyuk in an interview with the TV channel "We Are Ukraine" during the "United News" marathon broadcast, the operation was multi-layered and included logistics, intelligence work, communication, and technical support. A total of 150 combat FPV drones were delivered to enemy territory, along with special autonomous "hunting houses" equipped with batteries and solar panels, which allowed the drones to operate even at temperatures below -40 degrees Celsius.

To implement the plan, the SBU established a fictitious logistics company in Chelyabinsk, Russia, rented an office and warehouses near the local FSB office, and purchased five trucks. Drivers hired by Ukrainian intelligence transported various cargoes to reinforce the disguise.

When asked by a journalist whether everything went as planned, Vasyl Malyuk responded: "Almost everything. It was a unique operation that included many components—from logistics and intelligence work to technical equipment. The goal was to strike at the enemy’s strategic aviation, which targets civilian objects."

Moreover, Vasyl Malyuk emphasized that one of the success factors of the operation was the experience in combating transnational crime, particularly smuggling methods. He explained that delivering autonomous houses with equipment to Russian territory was extremely difficult due to sanctions, requiring them to go through "seven circles of hell."

Regarding the combat drones, the head of the SSU revealed that they outwardly resembled ordinary FPV drones but contained a special 1600-gram mixture with a cumulative-high-explosive effect, capable of penetrating an aircraft’s hull and causing an internal explosion.

He paid special attention to the importance of intelligence work—the involvement of Ukrainian covert assistants behind enemy lines. According to him, it was the combination of intelligence and technical components that enabled maximum efficiency.

He did not disclose the number of participants in the operation but thanked them for their dedication and patriotism, noting that they were instructed and coordinated via video communication.

Interestingly, a curious incident occurred during the preparations: one of the agents accidentally opened the roof of a house, allowing a driver to see the drones. However, thanks to the agents’ quick improvisation, they explained to the driver that these were hunting drones used for tracking animals and combating poaching, and he believed them, even receiving an additional payment.

Malyuk also shared that the operation was named "Web" because, during planning, they drew logistical threads to airfields on a map, which resembled a spiderweb.

Among other things, in the interview, he mentioned that the special operation was initially planned to take place before May 9, but due to Russian truck drivers heavily abusing alcohol and being unprepared, it had to be postponed.

"Well, from what can be shared, as I’m saying. The implementation took place on June 1, though we planned to do it much earlier. But there were many issues in enemy territory that needed to be resolved. One of the issues, and this is a humorous note: we planned to do it before May 9, but around Easter, they went on a binge, excuse me, they abused alcohol so much...", — Malyuk emphasized.