Ukraine destroys Russia's first strategic nuclear bomber
Ukrainian forces have reportedly destroyed Russia's first strategic nuclear bomber in a drone strike at the Solti air base in the Novgorod region, 650 kilometres from the Ukrainian border.
Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to the Interior Ministry in Kiev, said the Tupolev Tu-22M3 supersonic bomber, known as a Backfire according to NATO coding, was "completely destroyed."
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that a fire broke out on the runway of the airport following the "terrorist attack," but said that only one aircraft was damaged.
Eyewitnesses, however, claim that two aircraft were damaged and one of them burned to the ground.
The Novgorod air base is 650 kilometers from the Russian-Ukrainian border, which shows that the Ukrainians are capable of striking on Russian territory at very great distances from the border.
The attack comes as Ukrainian forces continue to liberate territory in the east of the country. The Ukrainian Army announced on Monday that it had liberated 43 square kilometers on the southern side of Bahmut, while in the north of the city the enemy is trapped and cannot advance.
The Russian military has also been using drones against Ukrainian forces. The Russian Defense Ministry has published footage of advances on the battlefield, particularly near Bahmut and Kupiansk, information disputed by the Ukrainians.
The use of drones is becoming increasingly important in the war in Ukraine. These devices can be used for both reconnaissance and attack, giving Ukraine the opportunity to cover infantry positions without consuming costly artillery shells, while saving soldiers' lives.
"These are our eyes, our truest eyes," says the drone operator who goes by the nickname "Sokol" ("The Falcon"). "Just like for a blind person, it's difficult for the army to cope with closed eyes."
These machines are capable of spotting Russian positions 20 kilometres beyond the front line. During one operation, the drone flew over enemy positions and located a military vehicle.
The use of drones is likely to continue to play a major role in the war in Ukraine. These devices give both sides the ability to strike at targets deep behind enemy lines, without putting their own soldiers at risk.
