Ukraine says it has destroyed a strategic Tu-95 bomber at Russia's Engels airbase, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The reported strike would mark a significant hit on an aircraft type associated with Russia's long-range military operations.
Mr Zelenskyy said the bomber was based at Engels, a Russian airbase located about 800 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. He also said the aircraft had been used by Russia to carry out missile strikes on Ukraine, underlining the symbolic and military importance of the claim.
The Tu-95 is a strategic bomber, and any reported loss of such an aircraft is likely to draw close attention because of its role in long-distance attacks. A strike at Engels would also highlight Ukraine's claimed ability to reach targets far from the front lines inside Russian territory.
The report comes from Mr Zelenskyy's statement on social media, and the trimmed account does not provide further operational details. Even so, the claim adds to the wider focus on Russian airbases and the assets used in missile attacks during the war.
