Russia Shows Off Upgraded Nuclear-Ready 'White Swan' Bomber Amid Kyiv BlitzRussia's state-controlled United Aircraft Corporation announced on Monday the successful debut flight of an upgraded nuclear-capable Tu-160M strategic bomber, as Moscow continues to use long-range aircraft armed with missiles to bombard critical infrastructure in Ukrainian cities.The original Tu-160—NATO reporting name "Blackjack" and nicknamed "White Swan" by Russian servicemembers due to its distinctive appearance—was adopted by the Russian Air Force in 1987.Moscow has now pivoted to cruise missile and drone attacks on critical Ukrainian infrastructure, seeking to collapse the national energy grid and freeze Ukrainians into submission.Temperatures have already fallen below zero across Ukraine, and leaders in Kyiv have urged foreign partners to do more to alleviate the energy crisis and strengthen Ukraine's air defense umbrella.Tu-160 bombers under the command of Russia's 121st heavy bomber aviation regiment were present at the Engels-2 air force base near the Russian city of Saratov when it was hit by explosions—allegedly from a Ukrainian drone strike, though Kyiv has not confirmed responsibility—in early December."