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Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian airfields last weekend damaged or destroyed up to 20 Russian warplanes, including nuclear-capable bombers. While not significantly impacting Russia's overall nuclear capabilities, the losses represent a substantial blow to its long-range aviation fleet, already operating at maximum capacity. Replacing these aging Soviet-era bombers will be a lengthy and challenging process, hampered by sanctions and production limitations. Russia denies significant losses, while Western experts estimate over 10% of the combined fleet is now unusable.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.