Russia accuses Kyiv of attack on air bases

Ukraine’s ability to launch drone strikes deep into Russian territory signals Kyiv’s willingness to raise the stakes in the war


Dec 5 attacks

BELARUS
Kiev 
UKRAINE
Russian control
Moscow

Dyagilevo military base: Three servicemen killed, two aircraft damaged

Ryazan

Engels airfield: Base houses long-range, nuclear-capable bombers, including Tupolev-160 and Tupolev-95

Saratov
RUSSIA
KAZAKHSTAN
100km 60 miles

 
TU-141 STRIZH

14.3m

Power plant: 	Turbojet KR-17A 
Wing span: 	3.9m 
Weight 		5,370kg 
Max. speed:	1,110km/h
Range:		1,000km
Ceiling:	6,000m
Min. flight altitude: 50m

  
Drone attacks launched from Ukrainian territory with help of special forces close to base

Engels airfield hit by Soviet-era Tu-141 Strizh that last saw front-line use in 1980s. Ukraine says base used as staging ground for Russian missile attacks on infrastructure


Sources: Reuters, New York Times, Global Security 
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