Five Russian Tu-95MS bombers redeployed from Ukrainka airbase have landed at Engels-2 airbase on September 26th, 2025, bringing the total number of Tu-95MS aircraft at Engels-2 to eight, according to a report from @cym27s. This redeployment, confirmed between 6:06 PM and 6:36 PM UTC, positions at least eight Tu-95MS bombers, reportedly equipped with X-101 cruise missiles, for potential combat operations. Analysts suggest a large-scale missile attack against Ukraine is likely within the next 48 hours. This significant movement of strategic aviation follows earlier reports from September 26th, indicating Russia was completing preparations for a potential massive attack on Ukraine. Monitoring channels had previously noted the active redeployment of strategic aviation from the Far East, with up to eight aircraft being transferred to Olenya/Engels-2 airfield for arming with Kh-101/555/55 missiles during the period between 5:07 PM and 5:36 PM UTC. The current development further reinforces concerns about an impending escalation. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces reported a danger of UAV activity, with fixations noted on Starobelsk in the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) region, according to a separate alert. This comes as Ukrainian forces continued their efforts to repel Russian advances in various sectors, including Zelenovka and east of Mirnograd, as previously detailed by the "PETRENKO ✙" source. These defensive actions are part of ongoing operations to maintain territorial integrity. Earlier on September 26th, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova alleged that Ukraine was preparing drone strikes against Romania and Poland to provoke a NATO-Russia war. Zakharova claimed Ukraine intended to repair downed Russian UAVs and equip them for strike missions, stating Russian Geran UAVs were delivered to the Yavoriv training ground on September 16th, according to UkrReview. Separately, NATO was reportedly studying counteraction measures for drones within Ukraine, as per Operativniy ZSU. These events are unfolding amidst broader military activities. Previous reports from September 26th indicated the establishment of a new Russian drone launch site in Bryansk Oblast, approximately 35 km from Ukraine, featuring four storage buildings and two launchers capable of deploying 10-15 drones daily. Additionally, Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian rocket launcher in the Kharkiv region using an FPV drone, according to "БЕЗПІЛОТНІ СИСТЕМИ #3ОШБр."
