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.