Russia says its long-range aircraft will participate in the war in Ukraine this year

These devices have nuclear capability, although they can also use conventional weapons.

MADRID, 2 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Russian authorities have affirmed this Monday that their long-range aviation will participate this year in the invasion of Ukraine, unleashed on February 24, 2022 by order of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The commander of long-range aviation, Sergei Kobilash, has stressed that "the use of aviation in operational and combat training courses is planned" and has stated that the objective is to "improve practical and operational capabilities in automatic control and information of high-precision weapons".

"These tasks will be resolved in 2023 with the participation of long-range aviation in the special military operation, which is the main characteristic of its application during this year," he reported, as reported by the Russian news agency Interfax.

According to official data, Russia has Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers, as well as Tu-22M3 long-range bombers. These planes are nuclear capable, although they can also use conventional weapons, including cruise missiles.

Putin ordered the start of the invasion days after recognizing the independence of the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, the scene of a conflict since 2014. Moscow announced in September the annexation of these regions along with those of Kherson and Zaporizhia, all of which are partially occupied. .