Ukraine Says It Destroyed a Russian Bomber with a Super-Long Drone Flight

What Happened?

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) is like the country’s secret police and security team. They said they destroyed a big Russian warplane called a Tu-95 strategic bomber. This happened at a place called Engels air base, which is in Russia’s Saratov region (a part of Russia).

They did it using long-range drones — that’s a flying robot with no pilot inside that can travel really far.

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, said this was another successful “long-range sanction.” That just means Ukraine is punishing Russia from far away for the war.

How Far Did the Drone Go?

On Friday, July 17, the SBU said:

• Their drones flew about 800 kilometers (around 500 miles) to reach the target.
• The bomber was badly hurt — its tail part was completely ripped off.

Important: The SBU said this plane was often used to fire many missiles at Ukraine. Taking it down means fewer missiles can be launched at Ukrainian cities.

Why Did Ukraine Do This?

The SBU said this was part of a plan to make Russia weaker — both in its military and its wallet. President Zelensky gave them this task.

The SBU explained:

• Every strategic bomber they destroy means dozens of missiles that won’t hit Ukraine.
• That saves Ukrainian lives.
• It also causes Russia to lose tens of millions of dollars it can’t get back.

They also said Russia’s big warplanes “can no longer feel safe even at its most remote military airfields” — meaning even far-away bases aren’t safe now.

What Did Zelensky Say?

Zelensky thanked the Ukrainian forces on his Telegram (a messaging app). He said:

1. Ukraine’s long-range punishments against Russia worked again.
2. The SBU destroyed the Tu-95 that was used to attack Ukraine.
3. He called it a “fair and active defense.”
4. Ukrainian forces also hit Russian oil facilities and other military targets in land Russia is temporarily occupying.
5. He said Ukraine is making Russia “pay more” for its aggression.

Russian authorities had not immediately responded to the claim.

Russia’s Main Long-Range Missile Bombers

The Tu-95 is a very old plane — it first flew in 1952! But it’s still one of Russia’s main missile-carrying planes.

As of 2023:

• Russia had 45 Tu-95MS bombers.
• It also had 18 newer Tu-95MSM versions.
• The newer one can carry Kh-101 cruise missiles (smart flying bombs).
• The older ones use Soviet-era Kh-55 and Kh-555 missiles.

This plane can hit big targets in any weather, day or night. It can hold up to 6 cruise missiles inside a spinning launcher.

It uses NK-12 turboprop engines — the most powerful of this kind ever made. They are super efficient but also make it one of the loudest military planes in the world.

Tu-95 Key Specs (Like a Report Card)

• Crew: 7 people
• Loaded weight: 190 metric tons
• Maximum speed: 830 km/h (about 515 mph)
• Engine power: 15,000 horsepower per engine
• Combat radius: 6,500 km (about 4,040 miles)
• Maximum range: 13,000 km (about 8,080 miles)
• Estimated value: More than $26 million

Why Does Russia Use the Tu-95 Against Ukraine?

According to military experts:

• Russia uses the Tu-160 bomber less often.
• The Tu-95MS does most of the long-range missile attacks on Ukraine.
• Why? Because it is more reliable and easier to take care of than the newer Tu-160.

The Kh-101 missile it carries can fly up to 5,500 km (3,420 miles) and weighs about 2,200–2,400 kg. It is hard to stop because it can change direction after being fired.

It is also very expensive — about $3 million per missile, which is roughly twice the cost of a Kalibr cruise missile.

Important: Destroying one Tu-95 doesn’t just remove a plane — it removes the ability to launch many costly, hard-to-stop missiles.

Summary

Ukraine’s SBU said it flew drones 800 km to destroy a Russian Tu-95 bomber at Engels base. The plane was used to missile Ukraine, so its loss saves lives and costs Russia money. Zelensky praised the strike as fair defense. The Tu-95 is an old but key Russian bomber, and losing one weakens Russia’s attack power.

FAQ

1. What is a Tu-95?
It is a Russian strategic bomber — a big warplane designed to carry and launch long-distance missiles. It first flew in 1952 and is still used today.

2. What is a long-range drone?
It is a pilotless flying machine that can travel hundreds of kilometers to hit a target far away.

3. Why is the Tu-95 loud?
It uses NK-12 turboprop engines, the most powerful ever built, which are very efficient but also make a lot of noise.

4. What is a “long-range sanction”?
It’s a phrase President Zelensky uses to describe Ukraine attacking Russian assets far from the front line as a form of punishment.

5. Did Russia confirm the bomber was destroyed?
No, Russian authorities had not immediately commented on Ukraine’s claim.