Ukrainian drones strike deep into Russian territory, damaging bombers
During the attack on the Olenya airport in the Russian Federation, two Russian Tu-22M bombers were damaged simultaneously, Ukrainian intelligence announced. The airport is located 1,770 kilometres from Ukraine, beyond the Arctic Circle in the Murmansk region.
Ukrainian intelligence provided new information regarding the attack on the Russian Olenya airport in the Murmansk region. Kyiv drones covered 1,770 kilometres and reached the military base located beyond the Arctic Circle, where Tu-22M3 bombers are stationed.
Not one, but two bombers
The representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence, Andriy Yusov, announced that not one but two Russian bombers were damaged in the attack. "Yes, we can confirm this information," he said. Yusov did not provide any other details regarding the incident.
Two machines were damaged, with tail numbers 31 and 33. Restoring these aeroplanes to service may take several months.
According to Yusov, "it was an important target because the enemy lacks the capability to produce such equipment, which is why they try to hide it as far away as possible. This equipment is used for strikes on civilian objects, as well as civilian and energy infrastructure in Ukraine."
Attack beyond the Arctic Circle
The Tu-22M3 is a bomber carrying Kh-22 cruise missiles, which can be armed with nuclear warheads. The distance from the Ukrainian border to the special operation site is 1,770 kilometres. The airport is located beyond the Arctic Circle.
Ukrainian media also reported on Saturday, citing Russian sources, that last night, drones attacked the Diaghilevo airport and an oil refinery near Ryazan, just over 190 kilometres southeast of Moscow.
