Russians use Tu-160 strategic bombers against Ukraine, which Ukraine handed over to Russia in 1999

25 years ago, Ukraine gave Russia missiles and strategic bombers in exchange for the transferred weapons, and Moscow cancelled part of its gas debt. Now Russia is using these weapons against Ukraine.

Here's What We Know

The Russian army currently has at least 6 such bombers in service - journalists found this out when they compared the numbers of the aircraft from the 1999 agreement with the numbers provided by intelligence.

According to the agreement, in exchange for the cancellation of gas debts, Moscow received 11 bombers, 575 Kh-55 cruise missiles, 12 turboprop engines, ground and electronic equipment, and other spare parts. All this was valued at $275 million - the real value was 10 times higher.

The deal was signed by the then Ukrainian Prime Minister Valeriy Pustovoitenko and Vladimir Putin. As it turned out, MPs did not vote for it - the planes were transferred without the approval of the Verkhovna Rada, investigators say.

Kuchma, in his commentary to Skhemy, said that the transfer of bombers and missiles to Russia was "technically and economically profitable and did not pose any realistic threats". He also adds that even if Ukraine had kept the planes, it would not have helped defend itself against Russia today.

Source: "Radio Liberty