Ukraine's Lost Strategic Air Power: A Story of Loss and Agreements

Ukraine's Loss of Strategic Aviation: A Detailed Account Introduction: Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukraine lost its strategic aviation capabilities. This involved the transfer of Tu-160 and Tu-95MS bombers to Russia, and the destruction of its X-55 missiles. This report details this loss, drawing on interviews with former Ukrainian pilots and navigators. Details: Retired Colonel Vasyl Kukulenko, a former pilot, describes his last flight on a Tu-160 bomber in 1999. He explains that the aircraft could carry three X-55 missiles, each capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The video shows archival footage of the Tu-160 in flight and on the ground. Another interviewee, Alexander Zakharov, a former navigator, details the speed and altitude capabilities of the X-55 missiles. He states, "It's trajectory was set so that after release, the missiles would engage their engines and climb to an altitude of 22.5 kilometers." The video also shows footage of the destruction of Ukrainian military assets. The destruction of the missiles was part of a larger agreement between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine. Conclusion: The loss of Ukraine's strategic aviation represents a significant loss in its military capabilities. The video provides a factual account, highlighting the historical context and human stories behind this event.