Moscow/Kyiv: Russia is employing Tu-160 strategic bombers originally transferred by Ukraine in 1999 as part of a deal to settle gas debts, according to a report by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) Schemes investigative program.
The report, released on November 26, revealed that at least six of these aircraft remain in operational service within the Russian military.
Ukrainian intelligence has accused Russian pilots using these bombers of conducting extensive missile strikes on Ukrainian targets.
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One such bomber, previously registered in Ukraine under the serial number “10,” has been renamed “Nikolai Kuznetsov” in Russia. This aircraft was identified in the background of a photograph featuring Sergey Kobylash, the commander of Russia’s long-range aviation forces.
Kobylash has been charged in absentia by Ukraine for allegedly ordering an airstrike on the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital.
