Ukrainian Attacks Fail to Ground Russia’s Strategic Bombers as Nuclear Bomber Spotted Over NATO Waters

Russia has resumed its strategic bomber patrols, dispatching a Tupolev Tu-22M3 aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Wednesday.

The flight marks the first long-range mission reported since Ukraine’s coordinated strikes on Russian airfields in Siberia and the Arctic on June 1.

According to HotNews.ro, the bomber flew for over four hours in international airspace and was briefly shadowed by foreign fighter jets, likely NATO aircraft.

The Russian Defense Ministry characterized the mission as routine, though its timing suggests a direct response to recent Ukrainian operations.

A Message of Continuity Amid Setbacks

While Russia frequently conducts bomber flights as part of its military signaling strategy, this particular sortie comes amid heightened tensions.

Satellite images indicate that as many as 20 Russian aircraft were damaged or destroyed in the June 1 attack, according to U.S. intelligence. Ukraine claims it struck 41 aircraft in total.

Despite the losses, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov insisted that Moscow’s nuclear deterrence capability remains intact. “No obvious damage” was done to its strategic forces, he said Wednesday, adding that affected equipment will be repaired.

Accusations of Western Involvement

Ryabkov also accused Western nations of helping Ukraine select and target air bases by providing real-time intelligence.

“They have deliberately tested our patience and resilience,” he said, arguing that such involvement undermines the foundation of nuclear deterrence.

The U.S. maintains that President Donald Trump was not briefed ahead of the Ukrainian operation, known as “Spiderweb,” which President Volodymyr Zelensky said took 18 months to prepare.

As Ukraine escalates its attacks deeper into Russian territory, Moscow appears intent on projecting control and readiness—despite mounting damage to its strategic aviation assets.