Accident occurred immediately after takeoff
On 29 September, a strategic Tu-95MS bomber crashed in Russia's Amur Region. Preliminary data indicates the disaster occurred a few minutes after takeoff. Eight military personnel were on board, all of whom died.
Russian media reported that at the time of the incident, the aircraft was conducting a training flight and carried no ordnance. The exact causes of the crash have not yet been established.
Crew composition and ranks of the deceased
The names of the deceased military personnel were released by Colonel Anatoly Shtefan, callsign "Stirlitz". They include:
- Kovalov Andriy Mykolaiovych;
- Moskovskyi Vladyslav Volodymyrovych;
- Yenokan Artur Araratovych;
- Zhitenov Mykhailo Mykhailovych;
- Moiseyovych Serhiy Oleksandrovych;
- Kelin Volodymyr Yuriyovych;
- Pavliukov Fedir Viktorovych;
- Herasymov Andriy Volodymyrovych.
According to available data, two of the deceased held the rank of lieutenant colonel, and another two held the rank of major.
Link to missile strikes on Ukraine
Ukrainian sources claim that at least three of those killed on board the Tu-95MS were directly involved in organising missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure.
According to this information, these military personnel were responsible for the methodological support of the strikes, as well as issuing and executing orders for the launch of cruise missiles. The targets of the Russian attacks were densely populated urban areas and energy facilities.
Context of Russian Federation defence spending
It was previously reported that in 2027, Russia plans to spend 17.1 trillion rubles on defence. This amount will account for approximately one-third of all federal budget expenditures. Meanwhile, Moscow is increasing the army's staffing level to 1.55 million military personnel. The budget deficit and the reduction in oil and gas revenues indicate a growing financial burden due to the war.
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