Ukraine's Security Service destroys Tu-95 bomber at Russia's Engels – Zelenskyy

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine's Security Service (SSU) destroyed a Tu-95 strategic bomber in the city of Engels, Saratov Oblast, Russia.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda; SSU

Quote: "I am grateful to our warriors for their accuracy. Once again, there have been successful long-range sanctions [strikes – ed.] against Russia for this war. In particular, the Security Service of Ukraine destroyed a Tu-95 military aircraft in Engels that had been used for Russian missile strikes against our country."

Details: Zelenskyy added that the distance from Ukraine's state border is approximately 800 kilometres.

"We are defending ourselves justly and proactively. Ukraine's Defence Forces also struck facilities belonging to Russia's oil industry and designated targets in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. We are increasing the price Russia pays for its aggression against our country and our people," Zelenskyy said.

Update: The SSU later said that early reports indicate that the aircraft sustained critical damage, with its tail section completely torn off. This aircraft was systematically used to carry out large-scale missile strikes on Ukraine.

Background:

• On 8 July, Ukraine's Defence Forces shot down a Russian Su-35 multirole fighter.
• On 15 July, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces hit a Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter in Russia's Belgorod Oblast.
• On 16 July, the Omega Special Purpose Centre within the National Guard of Ukraine used drones to destroy a Russian Su-24M frontline bomber at the Saky military airbase in temporarily occupied Crimea.

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