American B-2 strategic bombers flew tens of thousands of kilometers from US airbases to Iran, carried out strikes on targets, and returned. This demonstrative action was intentional, aimed at showing the world that the US remains the unquestionable military leader, Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's Intelligence Defense chief, told Nataliia Moseichuk.
The war began on 13 June 2025, when Israel launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities. Iran responded with massive missile and drone attacks targeting both military and civilian sites in Israel. On 22 June, the US joined the fighting, striking three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The war ended with a fragile ceasefire. No official peace agreements were signed, and tensions remain high.
"The US has now regained unquestionable military leadership in the world. They showed everyone: we can do it, if we decide to," claimed Budanov.
Strike from the US: more expensive, but symbolically stronger
Budanov emphasized that the US had simpler options — to launch strikes from bases in Europe or the Middle East. But they deliberately chose the longest route — from their own territory, accompanied by tankers and fighter jets.
“It would have been cheaper economically, logistically easier, tactically easier… But they made a demonstrative move — the most powerful one. At one moment, B-2s took off from US airbases… They flew in from the States, bombed the targets, and returned,” he explained.
"No one else can"
When asked whether this maneuver impressed Putin, Budanov replied directly: yes, and very much so. The US showed that it can strike any point on the globe.
“It made a deep impression on him. Very deep. No one had done anything like this before. And frankly, no one else can,” said Budanov.
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