Russian Bombers Deployed Amid Increased Air Threats to Ukraine
In the early hours of July 12, Russian strategic bombers were launched, signaling a potential escalation in air threats to Ukraine. According to the Telegram channel “Nikolaevsky Vanyok”, as of 23:30, at least two Tu-95MS bombers were observed taking off from Olenya and one from Engels, reports 24brussels.
It was anticipated that bombers from the Engels base would likely strike between 01:30 and 02:00 AM. Should missile launches occur from this location, incoming threats were expected in Ukrainian airspace by approximately 02:00 to 03:00 AM.
Similarly, bombers in the Caspian Sea region were projected to reach the same timeline, with missile launches anticipated around 04:30 to 05:00 AM if originating from there. “Vanyok” cautioned that these timings were approximate and subject to significant variation.
Around midnight, the monitoring public confirmed the takeoff of five Tu-95MS bombers from the Olenya and Engels aerodromes, along with one Tu-160 bomber. The channel “Nikolaevsky Vanyok” later reported that one Tu-95MS performed pre-launch maneuvers from Engels, indicating that if real launches were confirmed, missiles could enter Ukrainian airspace within 30 to 45 minutes.
At 0:20 AM, additional reports indicated the takeoff of a MiG-31K, which is equipped to carry the hypersonic Kh-47M2 “Kinzhal” missile, posing threats to all regions of Ukraine.
An air alert was issued across a significant part of Ukraine, excluding its western regions, reflecting heightened concerns over potential missile attacks.
