Russia Says It Will Repair Warplanes Damaged in Ukrainian Drone Attacks

 

Russia Says It Will Repair Warplanes Damaged in Ukrainian Drone Attacks Russia announced that the warplanes damaged in Ukraine's June 1 drone strike at Russian airfields will be repaired, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. The attack targeted airbases in Siberia and the far north, where Russia's strategic bombers, including Tu-95s and Tu-22s, are stationed. While Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that about 20 aircraft were hit, two U.S. officials told Reuters that approximately 10 planes were destroyed, roughly half of Zelensky's estimate. Ryabkov stated that none of the aircraft were destroyed, only damaged, and will be restored.

It remains uncertain how quickly Russia can repair or replace the damaged aircraft, given the complexity of the technology and Western sanctions restricting critical imports. Satellite imagery indicates damage to long-range bombers, including Tu-95s and Tu-22s. President Vladimir Putin reportedly spoke to U.S. President Donald Trump about the incident, with Trump saying Russia would have to respond. Russia has an extensive fleet of strategic and non-strategic aircraft, many of which are Soviet-era planes, with ongoing upgrades like the Tu-95MSM.

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