Ukrainian intelligence operations have reduced the number of Tu-22M3 strategic bombers in Russia. This made it possible to significantly reduce the possibility of strikes on the territory of Ukraine by Kh-22 missiles, which the Ukrainian air defense cannot shoot down, Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, said.
In total, 436 Russian aircraft participated in air operations against Ukraine. Two bombers were completely destroyed, and two more were damaged during the attack on the Russian military Soltsy and Shaykovka air bases.
“[436 planes] is a lot. But if you ask how many Tu-22s are among them, then there will be only a few. They had about 31 serviceable Tu-22s left, now 29 – and minus two more that will be under repair, i.e. 27. That is, there are not so many that are actually flying,” Budanov explained.
The Chief of Defense Intelligence of Ukraine says that the operation was carried out by people “from the territory of the Russian Federation.” It became known about the attack of drones on the Soltsy military airfield in the Novgorod Oblast on August 19. At that time, the Ministry of Defense of Russia reported that a fire had broken out in the aircraft parking lot at the airport. Last year, in December, Ukraine also attacked Russian strategic air bases in Engels and Ryazan Oblast.
