Ukraine Claims Destruction of Russian Tu-95 Bomber
Ukraine has destroyed a Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber at the Engels airbase, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The aircraft was used for missile attacks against Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday that Ukrainian forces have destroyed a Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber. The aircraft was located at the Engels airbase, approximately 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Zelenskyy stated that the bomber was utilized by the Russian military for missile strikes targeting Ukraine. He further commented via the X platform, "We are defending ourselves justly and proactively."
The reported destruction of the Tu-95, a long-range strategic bomber originally developed in the Soviet era, comes amid ongoing conflict and underscores Ukraine's efforts to disrupt Russian military capabilities. Russia has employed such aircraft in its sustained aerial campaign against Ukraine.
In related developments on Friday, the European Union announced new sanctions against Russian drone manufacturers. The measures target an executive and five companies accused of involvement in drone production. The EU is also reportedly considering further sanctions against Russian financial institutions, crypto networks, and oil traders.