Russia Shows Force with TU-22M3:Following a $7 billion drone strike by Ukraine on Russia’s nuclear-capable bombers, Moscow has released visuals of TU-22M3 aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea in a show of strength. While Russia downplays the damage, it continues retaliatory strikes on Ukraine. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy hosted southeastern European leaders in Odessa, where most backed Ukraine’s NATO bid and condemned Russian war crimes. Serbia’s President Vučić attended but refrained from signing the joint declaration.
Russia Shows Force with TU-22M3
In the latest development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Moscow has released undated visuals of its strategic bombers flying over international waters in the Baltic Sea. The images notably include the TU-22M3 aircraft — the same model that was reportedly damaged during a Ukrainian drone strike on June 1 under what Kyiv called “Operation Spider Web.” The drone attack targeted nuclear-capable bombers stationed inside Russian territory, raising alarms over the vulnerability of Moscow’s strategic assets.
Despite the visual evidence and Ukrainian claims, Russia has played down the impact of the drone strike. According to Ukrainian estimates, the damage inflicted on Russia’s military equipment is worth approximately $7 billion. However, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov dismissed these claims, stating that the country’s nuclear deterrence remains largely unaffected. He emphasized that any damaged equipment would be repaired and restored without long-term consequences for Russia’s military posture.
In retaliation for the drone strike, Russia has continued to launch missile and drone attacks across Ukrainian territories, including the capital city of Kyiv. These strikes are part of what the Kremlin calls a retaliatory campaign following the June 1 incident.
Amid these developments, President Vladimir Putin held a high-level meeting in Moscow with representatives of Russia’s military-industrial sector. During his address, Putin underscored the importance of strengthening the country’s nuclear triad, calling it the guarantor of Russia’s sovereignty. He reiterated that the nuclear arsenal plays a vital role in maintaining global power balance and should receive focused attention in terms of development and modernization.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosted a significant diplomatic summit in the port city of Odessa, just hours after the city suffered Russian missile attacks. The summit brought together leaders from southeastern European nations including Romania, Moldova, Greece, and Croatia. The group collectively signed a declaration condemning Russia’s invasion and urged for Ukraine’s accelerated inclusion into NATO. The declaration also highlighted war crimes allegedly committed by Russian forces.
Zelensky: Odesa. Heroes’ Alley. Together with the leaders who are participating in the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit today, we honored the memory of the fallen defenders of Ukraine.
In a notable diplomatic appearance, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić attended the Odessa summit — his first visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the war. Serbia, a country known for its historically close ties with Russia, sparked interest with Vučić’s presence. However, it was observed that Vučić did not sign the joint declaration published by the Ukrainian president’s office, reflecting the delicate balancing act Serbia continues to play in the geopolitical arena.
We really have some more urgent things to solve at home… Serbia is ready to restore one or two Ukrainian cities or regions to clearly demonstrate support to Ukrainians says Alexendar Vučić
These recent events mark a continuation of the high-stakes military and diplomatic maneuvering that has defined the Russia-Ukraine war. While Ukraine seeks increased international backing and institutional support, Russia remains firm on projecting military strength, especially through the display and defense of its nuclear capabilities.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this blog is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of the time of writing. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, the situation remains fluid and subject to change. This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not represent any political stance or endorsement. Readers are advised to consult multiple sources and exercise discretion when interpreting ongoing geopolitical developments.