Satellite Imagery Confirms Destruction of Russian Tu-95 Bomber at Engels Airbase

Key Points:

• Satellite imagery from Planet Labs confirms the destruction of a Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber at Engels-2 airbase following a long-range Ukrainian drone strike, showing the aircraft severed in half.
• The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported the drones traveled approximately 800 kilometers to strike the airfield, aiming to degrade Russia's military capabilities by destroying strategic bombers that launch missile attacks on Ukraine.
• President Zelensky praised the operation as a successful long-range sanction against Moscow, highlighting the strike as a measure of "fair and active defense."
• The Tu-95 remains a key Russian strategic missile carrier, capable of launching Kh-101 cruise missiles with a range of up to 5,500 kilometers; it is valued at over $26 million and is preferred over newer bombers for its reliability.
• The SBU emphasized that Russian strategic aviation can no longer operate safely even at remote airfields, marking a significant challenge to Russia's long-range strike capabilities.