Russia launches Tu-95MS bombers, preparing for potential missile strikes
Photo: Russia has launched strategic aviation (Getty Images)
A group of Tu-95 strategic bombers was spotted taking off in Russian territory. A missile strike may be launched against Ukraine in the morning, according to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"Up to 7 Tu-95MS bombers have been spotted taking off from Olenegorsk. A missile strike is expected around 6:00 AM (Kyiv time -ed.) near launch sites," the report says.
Monitoring channels report that nine bombers are now in operation, and the Russians have also deployed a missile carrier to the Black Sea.
Updated at 4:19 AM (Kyiv time)
Monitoring channels report that, preliminarily, about 15 Tu-95/Tu-160 bombers are already in the air: 10 from the Olenya airfield and 5 from the Engels airfield.
All are heading towards potential launch zones in the Caspian Sea region. Initial maneuvers for possible launches are expected around 5:00.
Updated 4:27 AM
Monitoring groups now report 17 aircraft in the air.
Airstrikes on Ukraine
On Saturday, November 16, Russian forces launched Shahed-type drones at Ukraine. Air alerts were declared in many regions.
In the early hours of November 13, Russia conducted a drone and missile attack against Ukraine.
Throughout the night and morning, two S-300 surface-to-air missiles, two Kh-101 cruise missiles, two Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, and around 90 drones were launched. Air defense forces destroyed the cruise missiles.
Read about why Russia is starting to launch Tu-95s more often and how this is connected to Donald Trump's election as US president in our author's article.
