Fatal Flaw: Tu-22M Bombers Hit on the Ground Ukraine's recent Operation Spider's Web, an audacious surprise attack against Russia's long-range strategic aviation, was a rousing success.

Because of its long range, the Tu-22M can target key Ukrainian military and civilian infrastructure that other planes cannot. These strikes have proven devastating to the defending Ukrainian forces.

Put simply, the Tu-22M can strike almost anywhere, at any time, from beyond the range of Ukrainian defenses.