Ukraine takes out one of Putin’s feared TU-95S nuclear-capable bombers in attack on Russian airbase, Zelensky reveals
Ukraine said it had severely damaged a Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber in an overnight strike on Engels-2 airbase in the Saratov region. The aircraft is used to launch conventional missile attacks on Ukraine and forms part of Russia’s nuclear-capable bomber force, so the reported hit could further strain Moscow’s ageing long-range aviation fleet.
Satellite imagery reportedly showed serious damage to the bomber’s right wing, marking the second Tu-95MS reportedly hit at Engels-2 within six weeks. Ukraine also said strikes set fire to an oil refinery in Yaroslavl, while Russia continued drone attacks on Ukraine, killing at least one person near Kyiv and damaging homes, warehouses and logistics sites.
- Ukraine reports damaging a Russian nuclear-capable bomber at Engels-2.
- The ageing Tu-95MS fleet is no longer manufactured.
- Russian drone strikes continued to disrupt Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
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The Tu-95MS is a long-range Russian bomber developed during the Cold War. It can carry conventional cruise missiles used in attacks on Ukraine, and it is also part of Russia’s nuclear-capable aircraft fleet.
Engels-2, in Russia’s Saratov region, is a major base for these bombers. Russia’s long-range aircraft fleet is ageing, so damage to individual planes can affect the number available for operations and add to the costs of maintaining them.
The reported strike comes amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and continuing attacks by both sides. Ukraine has targeted military and energy sites inside Russia, while Russian drone and missile strikes have caused deaths and damage in Ukraine.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Ukraine can argue that striking a bomber used in attacks on its cities is a legitimate act of self-defence that may reduce Russia’s capacity to launch further missile strikes. Damaging military aircraft and supporting infrastructure could also impose costs on Russia’s invasion and deter future attacks, while remaining distinct from any use of nuclear weapons.
The case against
Critics can argue that attacking a nuclear-capable strategic bomber risks escalation or misinterpretation, even if the aircraft is being used for conventional strikes. They may also question whether such attacks meaningfully improve civilian security if they prompt retaliation, and stress the importance of limiting the war’s expansion and protecting people on both sides.