A recent investigation by Skhemy reveals that at least six Tu-160 bombers, once transferred from Ukraine to russia in 1999, are now active in russia’s military operations. Journalists uncovered this by matching the serial numbers from the original transfer agreement with data from international aviation registries and Ukrainian intelligence reports.
The bombers were handed over as part of a deal in which russia forgave a portion of Ukraine’s gas debt in exchange for strategic bombers and missiles. Along with the Tu-160s, three Tu-95 bombers, now named Krasnoyarsk, Sevastopol, and Izborsk, were also transferred. These Tu-95 aircarft are currently being used to launch missile strikes against Ukraine.
Read more: Why russia Deploys its Tu-160 Bombers for the First Time in 550 Days
This revelation underscores long-term implications of disarmament agreements and the strategic risks associated with transferring military assets.
Read more: russia Wanted to Send 2 Out of 13 Tu-160 Bombers to South Africa But Something Went Wrong
