Russian "bears" strike Ukrainian regions near Polish border
On the morning of Monday, 26 August, the Ukrainian Air Force warned of the activities of Russian strategic aviation. According to PAP, at least ten regions of Ukraine were attacked, including the Lviv region bordering Poland. Bombers, often referred to as Russian "bears," can simultaneously cover large distances and carry substantial loads, including cruise missiles.
"The activity of 11 Tu-95MS aircraft was recorded in the airspace of the Russian Federation," reported the Ukrainian Air Force, including via Telegram. The aircraft participated in a missile attack on ten regions of Ukraine, including the Lviv region near the border with Poland.
Russian Tu-95MS bombers attack Ukraine
This is not the first time the Russians have used their "bears" to carry out a massive attack on Ukrainian cities. Even though the Tu-95 strategic bombers (NATO code Bear) have been in service for over 70 years, they remain a dangerous and effective platform for carrying various types of weapons.
It is worth noting that the Tu-95MS bombers are among the longest-serving strategic aircraft in the world. Their range is approximately 12,000 kilometres, allowing them to carry out missions over very long distances. Thanks to four NK-12 turboprop engines, they reach a maximum speed of over 800 kilometres per hour. They can also carry loads weighing up to 22 tonnes, making them incredibly versatile machines.
The Tu-95MS can carry a variety of weaponry, including Kh-55 and Kh-101 cruise missiles, as well as conventional and nuclear bombs. The Kh-55 missiles have a range of up to 3,000 kilometres and can neutralise strategic targets over long distances, while the Kh-101 are more modern versions equipped with advanced guidance systems.
Russia's utilisation
Russia regularly uses Tu-95MS bombers to demonstrate its military power and as a strategic deterrent. These bombers are often seen during military exercises, patrol flights near other countries' borders, and combat operations. In recent years, they have been used to conduct airstrikes on targets in Syria and have also served as a tool of pressure in the conflict in Ukraine.
