The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has announced that it has carried out a successful long-range drone strike deep inside Russian territory, targeting an air base in the Saratov region, hundreds of kilometers from the front line. The target of the operation was a Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber, which suffered critical damage.

According to data released by the SBU, the Ukrainian drones traveled a distance of about 800 kilometers to reach the target. The strike reportedly severely damaged the rear of the fighter jet.

The Tu-95 bomber is considered one of the backbones of Moscow's strategic aviation. Russia has regularly used this type of aircraft during its aggression in Ukraine to launch long-range missiles at Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also reacted to this action. He welcomed the SBU operation, describing it as another significant long-range blow to Russia's military capabilities.

The attack comes as part of Kiev's intensified strategy to strike Russian military targets far from the border, with the aim of crippling the enemy's logistics and air power. In previous operations, Ukraine has claimed to have damaged or destroyed several Russian military aircraft through the effective use of drones.