Eight Russian nuclear bomber capable aircraft have taken to the skies from Olenya airfield and Ukrainian officials have warned Russia is “ready for massive strikes” which has led to airstrike alerts issued across Ukraine.
Eight Tu-95s were conducting a training exercise and emergency blackouts were imposed in Kyiv and other Oblasts in Ukraine.
Experts have told the Kyiv Independent that Russia could be preparing for a massive strike across Ukraine and the Kremlin will not show any restraint.
Andrii Kovalenko, Head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, has warned Ukrainian civilians against any complacency.
He said, “The Russians are ready for massive strikes. There are enough missiles, they are accumulated at strategic aviation airfields and continue to accumulate.
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“Aviation is also ready. Rehearsing the tactics of simulated launches by the Russians is also part of maintaining the readiness of aviation for action.”
The TU-95s can each carry KH-101 cruise missiles which are used for devastating attacks on Ukraine.
Russian MiG-31K fighter jet which can carry the hypersonic Kinzhal missile took off from Russia on Monday and the missiles can attack anywhere within minutes.
The Ukrainian Air Force said the airstrike alert was “related to the launch of cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers.”
Russian missiles rained down in Kryvyi Rih which is the hometown of Volodymyr Zelensky and a high-rise building was hit.
Emergency services said that eleven people including two children were injured in the missile strike.
President Zelensky said, “Russia seeks only to continue the war, and each of its strikes refutes any statements from Russia about diplomacy.
“Ukraine needs weapons to defend against Russian terror and stronger support from the world to make diplomacy real and strong.”
