Russia Re-Deploys Tu-22M3 Bomber for Strikes on Ukraine: Key Attack After April Incident

 

The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) redeployed a Tu-22M3 bomber for the first time on the night of June 13-14 following an unprecedented incident in April. According to Ukrainian media, Russian forces launched an aerial strike on Ukraine, primarily targeting the western regions with ballistic missiles, drones, and Kh-101/Kh-55 missiles fired from at least five strategic bombers.

Unverified reports claimed that Russia deployed at least four Tu-22M3 bombers from the Dyagilevo airfield near Ryazan, marking their first approach within the range of Ukrainian air defense since an April shootdown. 

In April, Ukrainian forces successfully downed a Tupolev Tu-22M Backfire bomber, the first such loss for the Russian bomber fleet. This incident followed a Russian attack on Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk confirmed the destruction of the Tu-22M3, which carries Kh-22 cruise missiles used against Ukrainian cities. The Russian aircraft crashed in the Krasnogvardeysky District of Stavropol Krai, with videos of the crash circulating on social media. Russia attributed the crash to a technical error, while Ukraine claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft and stated that Russia had subsequently withdrawn the bombers.

The recent attack primarily focused on Starokostyantyniv in the Khmelnytsky area, home to a significant Ukrainian air base. This base, previously targeted by Russia, reportedly houses Ukraine’s Storm Shadow missile carriers, the Su-24MR fighter jets. Ukrainian Air Force (UAF) spokesperson Illya Yevlash declined to comment on the damage, emphasizing that revealing such information could aid the enemy. He noted a new Russian strategy combining airstrikes with regrouping and altering missile and drone movements.

Yevlash described this tactic as involving combined strikes using UAVs from various directions along with different types of missiles, adjusting warhead sizes based on the mission. For example, cruise missiles recently targeted western Ukraine, reaching Kolomyia before turning back towards Starokostiantyniv, demonstrating maneuvers with altitude changes. Each attack follows a unique pattern.

In response to continued Russian attacks, President Vladimir Putin offered a ceasefire on June 14 if Ukraine agreed to withdraw its forces from the four annexed regions and abandon its NATO aspirations. Putin stated that Moscow would "immediately" declare a ceasefire and commence negotiations if Kyiv complied. This proposal follows the G7 meeting in Italy and precedes a summit in Switzerland (excluding Russia) to discuss peace in Ukraine. Despite the annexation of four Ukrainian regions in the fall of 2022, Kyiv’s forces have maintained their positions.

Putin emphasized that his proposal aimed at a “final resolution” of the conflict rather than a temporary freeze, indicating the Kremlin’s readiness for immediate negotiations. However, Kyiv’s ongoing demand for the withdrawal of Russian forces and NATO membership remains unchanged, receiving no immediate response to Russia’s suggestion.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, initially targeting Kyiv but later focusing on southern and eastern regions after failing to capture the capital.

Ukraine Successfully Intercepts Russian Kh-101 Missile with Cluster Warhead for the First Time

 

Ukrainian forces have successfully intercepted a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile equipped with a cluster warhead for the first time, as reported by Defense Express. This interception occurred on the night of June 7, when a Tu-95MS bomber launched five Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles, all of which were neutralized by the Ukrainian Air Force.

An officer from the Armed Forces, blogging under “Colonel GSH,” discussed this event, highlighting that the Kh-101 variant features both a high-explosive warhead and a cluster warhead. These missiles are likely intended for airfield attacks.

The frequency of Russia deploying these missiles in Ukraine remains uncertain, and there is limited information on the production distribution of various warhead types. However, it is known that Russia started producing Kh-101 missiles with dual warheads as of March. Earlier Russian sources had indicated that the Kh-101's warhead capacity increased to 800 kilograms, though this reduces its range.

In May, Defense Express noted an event on May 8 where a recently manufactured Russian Kh-101 missile was intercepted, underscoring the fresh deployment of these weapons. The Kh-101 series is distinguished by its dual warhead configuration, which includes a 450-kilogram warhead and an additional 350-kilogram warhead. There is no information confirming the presence of a cluster warhead among the two.

This dual warhead capability, achieved by reducing the fuel tank size, results in a decreased flight range from about 5,500 kilometers to approximately 2,250 kilometers. The dual warhead concept was first mentioned by Sergei Shoigu, head of the Russian Ministry of Defense, in January 2024 during a visit to the Raduga missile design bureau. This development raises concerns about its implications for ongoing conflicts.

The new warhead incorporates pre-made damaging components typically found in anti-aircraft missiles, now posing a greater threat to ground targets. Russian sources had speculated about the Kh-101 housing dual warheads as early as mid-2022.

The Kh-101's recent enhancements, including its guidance system and optical and electronic components, mark a significant advancement. The updated Kh-101 now features three fixed lenses, improving accuracy compared to its predecessor. Both the Kh-101 and its nuclear variant, the Kh-102, incorporate stealth features and other advancements.

The Kh-102, capable of carrying a 20-kiloton nuclear warhead, is a key component of Russia’s nuclear arsenal, boasting a longer range than the US AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile. Upgraded strategic bombers like the Tu-160M and Tu-95MSM can carry the Kh-101 missile, which can have different warheads including high explosive, penetration high explosive, and submunitions.

Russia claims the Kh-101 can accurately hit moving targets within 10 meters, usually within 7 meters, at distances up to 5,500 kilometers. The missile, made entirely of Russian parts by the Raduga Design Bureau, was first used in combat in November 2015 during Russia’s involvement in the Syrian civil war. While initial strikes were largely on target, one missile reportedly landed in Iran near the city of Shush, about 750 kilometers from the Syrian border.