Russia is using Tu-160 strategic bombers that Ukraine handed over in 1999 as part of a deal to settle its gas debt with Russia, according to an investigation by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) Schemes program.
The investigation, published on November 26, revealed that at least six of the transferred bombers remain in active service with the Russian military.
Ukrainian intelligence has accused Russian pilots operating these bombers of carrying out large-scale missile attacks on Ukraine.
One of the Tu-160 bombers, previously registered in Ukraine with the serial number "10," is now named "Nikolai Kuznetsov" in Russia. This aircraft was spotted in the background of a photograph featuring Sergey Kobylash, the commander of Russia’s long-range aviation forces.
Kobylash has been charged in absentia by Ukraine for ordering an airstrike on the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital.
