Ukraine's SBU destroys Russian Tu-95 bomber
Photo: The SBU destroyed a Tu-95 strategic bomber in Engels (Getty Images)
Ukrainian security forces destroyed yet another Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber at the airfield in Engels. The aircraft was being used to launch missile strikes against Ukrainian cities, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Strike on Engels
"In particular, the SBU destroyed a Tu-95 military aircraft in Engels that was being used for Russian missile strikes against our country. It was located about 800 kilometers from our state border," the head of state says.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian troops are acting justly and continue to actively defend the country.
Other Ukrainian strikes
On the same day, the Ukrainian Defense Forces also struck other targets:
- Russian oil industry facilities
- Specific targets in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) adds that the aircraft sustained critical damage—its tail section was destroyed.
"Every strategic bomber taken out means dozens of missiles not launched at Ukrainian cities, Ukrainian lives saved, and tens of millions of dollars in irrecoverable losses for Russia," the statement reads.
I am grateful to our warriors for their accuracy. Once again, there have been successful long-range sanctions against Russia for this war. In particular, the Security Service of Ukraine destroyed a Tu-95 military aircraft in Engels that had been used for Russian missile strikes… pic.twitter.com/7nF3BTBzLL
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 17, 2026
How Ukraine's long-range sanctions work
Attacks on targets in Russia and the occupied territories continue amid an intensification of Ukraine’s long-range operations.
On the night of July 17, drones again attacked occupied Crimea.
A fire broke out at a railway station in Kerch, and explosions were also heard in Simferopol, Feodosia, and Yevpatoria.
Meanwhile, on the same day, details emerged regarding the results of the MoLoChKa operation against Russia’s shadow fleet. Over the 12 days of the operation, Ukrainian maritime drones struck 159 vessels, 12 of which were hit in the last 24 hours alone.
