Russia’s strategic bombers: At least 12 planes observed that might attack Ukraine

Russia's strategic aviation is currently dispersed across various airfields, with the aircraft from this group being potentially ready to fire off missiles at Ukraine.

That’s according to Yuriy Ihnat, the spokesman for Ukraine’s Air Force, who spoke at the national telethon, answering questions about Russia’s tactics in the air, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Strategic aviation, which is scattered across different airfields, hasn’t gone anywhere. I mean TU-95 bombers, which could be ready to use missile weapons because at least 12 such planes are observed at these airfields, and they all could attack Ukraine," spokesman clarified.

Ihnat said Russia’s tactical aviation was operating at the front lines. "The threat of missile attacks has not gone anywhere. Thus, they are constantly striking – this is about helicopters, attack aircraft, etc.," said the spokesman for the Air Force.

Answering the question of what Russia’s latest maneuvers are about, including the transfer of several fighter jets deeper into Russia and away from Belarus, he noted that certain things aren’t happening for the first time.

For example, sometimes when Ukraine can see 20-minute air raid alerts whenever a MiG takes off. This, accordingly, may indicate that these are, in fact, training flights, Ihnat said.

"And when the few MiGs that are stationed there fly out of Belarus, it can be simply about their rotation, perhaps technical issues,” Ihnat said, adding that perhaps these planes fly to their home bases.

According to the spokesman, it is possible that some routine work, etc., should be carried out in relation to these planes because this sophisticated aircraft must be serviced, not only on the tarmac but also in special repair facilities.

"Perhaps this is the case. Therefore, it is impossible to talk about the fact that they flew somewhere and that they won’t return. I think that they will be back there eventually," Ihnat said.

As reported, on April 7, the Air Force spokesman said that, in order to start a counteroffensive, Ukraine needs to gain air superiority.