Putin prepares retaliation following operation Spiderweb setback

Two Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bombers from the Aerospace Forces conducted their first patrol over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea since a recent drone attack led by Ukraine, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced.

The mission, which lasted over four hours, was accompanied by Russian Su-30SM and Su-27 fighter jets providing escort. According to the Ministry, at various points along the flight path, the bombers were tracked by foreign fighter jets, likely from NATO countries.

This patrol appears to be a show of strength by the Kremlin in response to Operation Spiderweb, signaling Russia’s capability to strike and pose a serious threat to countries bordering the Baltic region.

The Tu-22M3, known by NATO as the "Backfire," is a key part of Russia’s long-range aviation fleet and has been used throughout the conflict to launch missile strikes on Ukrainian targets. The flight underscores ongoing tensions in the Baltic Sea, a strategic area where Russian and NATO forces frequently monitor each other’s activities.

(MH with AnVa - Source: Telegram - Photo: © Unsplash)