The Security Service of Ukraine has announced that a Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber has been severely damaged in Engels, in the Saratov Oblast. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the destruction of the aircraft, which, according to the SBU, had been systematically used to carry out massive missile strikes on Ukraine. The agency had previously reported that the tail section of the aircraft had been completely torn off.
Briefly about the main points
- The SBU has reported that a Tu-95 sustained critical damage in Engels.
- Zelenskyy said the aircraft had been shot down by Ukrainian forces.
- According to the SBU, the tail section was torn off the aircraft.
- The Russian authorities confirmed the night-time drone attack on the city.
- Russia uses the Tu-95MS as a carrier for cruise missiles.
What Ukraine and Russia have reported
Zelensky On 17 July, he stated that The SBU destroyed a Tu-95 in Engels — approximately 800 kilometres from Ukraine’s national border. The President described such operations as «long-range sanctions» against Russia in response to the war.
The SBU later clarified that, according to preliminary reports, the aircraft had sustained critical damage: its tail section had been completely torn off. The agency claims that this particular aircraft was systematically used for large-scale missile attacks to Ukraine.
The Russian governor of the Saratov Region Roman Busargin reported a drone attack on Engels on the night of 16 July and damage to civilian infrastructure. Russian regional media, citing the public prosecutor’s office, also reported on casualties.
The role of the Tu-95 in Russian air strikes
The Tu-95MS is part of the Russian long-range aviation fleet and is used to carry X-101 and X-555 cruise missiles. According to Aviation Week, the aircraft can carry six X-55 missiles in its internal bay and up to eight X-101s on external hardpoints.
Therefore, the critical damage reported by the SBU, if confirmed by further evidence, could mean that the missile carrier designed for long-range strikes has been put out of action.
Attacks on Russian aircraft continue
Over the past few days, the Ukrainian military has also reported other strikes against Russian aircraft. On 8 July, the Defence Forces announced that the downing of a Su-35 fighter jet, 15 July: Unmanned Systems Force — on damage to the Mi-28 helicopter in the Belgorod Region, and on 16 July, special forces from the National Guard’s «Omega» unit — regarding the downing of the Su-24M at Saki airfield in occupied Crimea.
The SBU had previously stated that, during Operation «Spider» on 1 June 2025, drones attacked four Russian airfields. An independent assessment by Aviation Week, based on satellite imagery, indicated at the time that approximately eight Tu-95MS aircraft had been damaged or destroyed.
