Three Russian Tu-95ms strategic bombers, supported by an Il-78M refueling aircraft, completed a scheduled flight exceeding 11 hours as part of nuclear exercises. The aircraft, identified as Tu-95ms (RF-94186, Red 41) and Tu-95ms (RF-94202, Red 60), originated from the "Ukrainka" airfield and were escorted by Su-35s and Su-30cm aircraft. This activity was reported within the past hour, concluding around 8:34 PM UTC on October 24th, 2025. The extensive flight duration underscores the scale of the nuclear drills, according to the source "✈️Стратегічна авіація рф". The involvement of a refueling aircraft suggests a long-range operational capability and training for sustained airborne operations. These nuclear exercises by Russian strategic aviation occurred amid ongoing conflict and diplomatic developments. Previous reports from October 24th, 2025, indicated that Ukrainian forces had reported destroying Russian logistics assets near Kurshchyna and that Russian assault units had advanced into residential areas of the Staraya Derevnya district near Konstantinovka. U.S. President Donald Trump previously selected a medium tier of sanctions against Russia to allow for future negotiations.
