Ukrainian forces have successfully destroyed several storage and assembly sites for Shahed drones, which has affected Russia’s ability to use them massively, Syrskyi said.
He added that Ukraine’s Defense Forces conducted several successful strikes on enemy airfields, forcing Russia to relocate its aircraft farther inland. While previously stationed 100–150 km from Ukraine’s border, Russian aviation is now based 200–300 km away — in places like Engels (Saratov Oblast) and Shaykovka (Kaluga Oblast).
“A few days ago, we successfully destroyed a Tu-22M3 long-range bomber," Syrskyi said.
"It had just landed when our drone struck it. Its value is around $100 million.”
On April 2, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that a Tu-22M3 bomber crashed in Irkutsk Oblast, saying it was used to launch Kh-22 supersonic missiles against Ukraine. The crew ejected, but one pilot died.
Another Tu-22M3 crashed in the same oblast on Aug. 15, 2024, with Russian officials again citing a “technical malfunction.”
In April 2024, Ukrainian military forces — specifically the Defense Intelligence (HUR) and Air Force — also shot down a Tu-22M3.
The Tu-22M3 is a Russian supersonic long-range bomber often referred to as an “aircraft carrier killer,” as it is equipped with Kh-22 anti-ship missiles. It was originally designed for nuclear warfare.