Russia suddenly launched a missile attack on Ukraine from 3800 km away, know why America’s tension increased

Russia has done such a feat in Ukraine, which has increased the tension of America. In fact, on July 18, Russia attacked Ukraine with a long-range missile. This attack has demonstrated a significant change in the operation of Russia’s strategic bombers. According to intelligence information, two Tu-95 bombers of the Russian Air Force took off from Belaya Airbase in Irkutsk Oblast. This airbase is 2360 miles (about 3800 km) from the Ukrainian border. On the way, these bombers were also refueled from Il-78 aerial refuelers. This is such a campaign of Russia, which has increased the tension of America.

Tu-95 bomber fired 9 missiles

After flying continuously in Russian airspace, both these bombers fired about nine Kh-101 cruise missiles from their normal firing zone near Engels in Saratov Oblast. This attack dodged the Ukrainian air defense and also surprised the US. None of Russia’s enemies had expected that Russia could launch a missile attack on Ukraine by flying its bombers from such a long distance. In such a situation, it is being considered a sign of the evolving Russian strategy aimed at complicating Ukraine’s identification and response.

Tu-95 bombers completed the mission

The Russian Tu-95 bomber aircraft from the Cold War era is designed for long-range missions. Due to the support of Il-78 aerial refuelers, this aircraft has made such a long journey possible without any landing in between. After launching the missile, both the bombers and the tanker landed at Engels-2 airbase and rested for a while. After this, these bombers left for Belaya airbase.

Russia showed strength to the world

Experts believe that this campaign underlines Russia’s ability to launch missiles from within its borders. It is also very important to maintain Russia’s strategic flexibility. The choice of Belaya airbase away from the conflict zone reflects a deliberate shift in Russian strategy, possibly aimed at challenging Ukrainian air defence systems by introducing unpredictability.

Why did Russia adopt such a strategy

Such manoeuvres complicate tracking and response efforts, as extended flight paths and remote basing obscure the bombers’ movements until they reach their firing positions. This evolving approach reflects Russia’s ongoing transformation of its air campaign, aimed at keeping adversaries on edge while maximising the operational reach of its ageing but effective bomber fleet.