Budanov responded to Russia's use of Ukrainian Tu-160 aircraft.

Russia is utilizing missiles and fighter jets transferred to it by Ukraine in the 1990s to strike Ukrainian cities. The nation is paying a very high price in its struggle for freedom.

This was stated by the head of the GUR MO, Kyrylo Budanov, as reported by RBK-Ukraine citing his Telegram channel.

The head of Ukrainian intelligence reacted to the information that Russia is employing Tu-160 bombers, which were acquired 25 years ago from Ukraine. In his view, such events and decisions are a result of a lack of strategic vision.

"Corruption, incompetence, and the absence of strategic vision lead to anti-state decisions. As a country and a nation that pays a very high price in the fight for its freedom, we have no right to allow the repetition of such mistakes and crimes," he wrote.

In particular, Budanov highlighted a journalistic investigation into the use of Ukrainian aviation by Russia. Specifically, the aircraft that Ukraine transferred to the Russian Federation in the 1990s in exchange for settling debts for consumed Russian gas.

According to the intelligence chief, such investigations are vital.

"We will be able to defeat the enemy and reliably protect Ukraine when we undergo irreversible change. The interests of the state must become the main priority for everyone," he emphasized.

Russia has used Ukrainian Tu-160s

On the morning of Sunday, November 17, the Russian Federation launched massive strikes on Ukrainian territory. The enemy fired over 200 aerial targets.

It later became known that Russia has deployed Tu-160 bombers for the first time in a long while. The enemy is likely facing issues with cruise missile carriers.

Subsequently, journalists learned that during the strikes, the Russian army is using Ukrainian strategic bombers Tu-160. These aircraft were received by the Russians from Ukraine 25 years ago and are now being used to target Ukrainian infrastructure.