Ahead of the Ukraine war anniversary, Russian President Vladimir Putin flew a nuclear-capable bomber in what is seen as a tough signal to the Western powers. In a video shared by state news agencies and several other media outlets, Putin was seen riding the modernised version of the Tu-160M strategic bomber.

The test flight in the Tu-160M missile carrier was not only a message for the West but also seen as a way to bolster his image ahead of the next month’s presidential elections in the country.

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Russia watchers say that Putin’s 30-minute flight in the supersonic strategic bomber is a not-so-subtle hint to his detractors amid growing tensions over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Putin’s unending love for fighter jets

After the sortie, Putin lauded the supersonic jet and termed the changes as ‘excellent.’ This is not the first time that the Russia president has flown a fighter jet. Before this, he flew a Su-27 combat jet to Chechnya. Then in 2005, he was once again seen in the co-pilot’s seat for a sortie in Tu-160 bomber.