Russians Show Off New Heavy Bomber In Show Of Strength

This footage shows a Russian supersonic heavy bomber making its maiden flight in a show of strength as war in neighbouring Ukraine still rages.

The United Aircraft Corporation - based in Moscow - said in a statement obtained by Newsflash on 19th December: "In December 2022, another improved strategic missile carrier Tu-160M, developed by PJSC Tupolev (part of PJSC UAC of Rostec State Corporation), made its first flight.

"The pilots performed manoeuvres to check the stability and controllability of the aircraft in the air, the performance of aircraft systems and engines, as well as on-board electronic equipment."

The Tupolev Tu-160 is the largest and heaviest combat aircraft, the fastest bomber in use, and the largest and heaviest variable-sweep wing airplane ever flown.

It entered service in 1987, and a total of 36 have been built, while more are on order.

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin is still calling a "special military operation". Today marks the 299th day of the invasion.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 19th December, Russia had lost about 98,800 personnel, 2,988 tanks, 5,969 armoured combat vehicles, 1,953 artillery units, 410 multiple launch rocket systems, 212 air defence systems, 281 warplanes, 264 helicopters, 1,657 drones, 653 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,592 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 175 units of special equipment.

Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.

Kyiv's critical infrastructure was targeted by a wave of Russian military drone attacks early on 19th December.

Some 20 Iran-made drones were deployed to and around Ukraine's capital, with air defence systems destroying about three-quarters of them.

Officials in Kyiv have confirmed that a critical infrastructure point was hit, without giving further details.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to announce a new military aid package for Ukraine worth GBP 250 million.

It will include "hundreds of thousands of rounds of artillery ammunition" for use against invading Russian forces.

And officials in Ukraine have dismissed calls for a negotiated peace from former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger as "appeasing the aggressor".