Ukrainian forces struck a critical Russian air base over 800 km far inside Russia. They smashed a Tupolev Tu-95 bomber used for high‑risk missions. The strike happened at the Engels air base. President Zelenskyy labelled it a major hit on Russia’s strike capability. The Tu-95 can carry nuclear armaments. This strike reached deeper into Russia than any prior before since 2022. Outside observers validated the strike was carried out.