Russian Tu-95 bomber appears cut in half after Ukrainian drone strike

Images released by the investigative project "Schemes" on July 19 reveal a Russian Tu-95 bomber severely damaged, seemingly cut in half, according to kyivpost.com. These visuals support claims made by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) on July 17. The SSU reported that its long-range drones successfully attacked an aviation base about 800 kilometers away, tearing off the bomber's tail section.

The SSU stated the operation's goal was to weaken Russia's economic and military power. "The Security Service of Ukraine is methodically destroying key elements of Russia's war machine," the SSU representatives declared on Friday. "Every strategic bomber destroyed means fewer missiles will be launched at Ukrainian cities, fewer people will die, and millions in damages will be prevented."

According to the SSU, Russia's strategic aviation can no longer operate safely even from its most remote airfields. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently praised the operation in an address to the nation, calling the strike a successful long-range sanction against Moscow.

The Tu-95, designed in the Soviet era and first operational in 1952, remains a primary strategic missile carrier for Russia's aerospace forces. The Russian military frequently uses these aircraft to launch cruise missiles, particularly the Kh-101, at targets in Ukraine. As of 2023, Russia reportedly possessed 45 Tu-95MS bombers and 18 modernized Tu-95MSM variants. These bombers can carry up to six cruise missiles and fly up to 13,000 kilometers without refueling, with each aircraft valued at over $26 million USD.

Military analysts note that Tu-95MS aircraft conduct a significant portion of Russia's long-range missile strikes against Ukrainian targets. They are considered more reliable and easier to repair compared to newer strategic bombers like the Tu-160.

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The Security Service of Ukraine is methodically destroying key elements of Russia's war machine. Every strategic bomber destroyed means fewer missiles will be launched at Ukrainian cities, fewer people will die, and millions in damages will be prevented.