Ukraine's Lost Strategic Bomber Fleet

After 1991, Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons, but then also lost its strategic bomber force, enabling it to conduct long-range cruise missile and bombing missions. So what became of the Backfire, Blackjack and Bear bombers.
Dr. Mark Felton is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; Michael; Stefan Krasnowski; Jno; Kobel; George Chernilevsky
Thumbnail: Dmitry Terekhov

[@expandedhistory]

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate that we can watch all these videos from Dr. Felton for free?

[@sethkoch3745]

Also yours as well! You got a great growing History channel as well.

[@ColinH1973]

Hear hear and well said.

[@GrooveSpaceArk]

My time is not free. Maybe yours is kid? Welcome to the real world. Got to get back to making big bucks. Nice speaking kiddo!

[@expandedhistory]

@@GrooveSpaceArk My time isn’t free either as I’m a full time student in college majoring in History as well as a History content creator but watching Dr. Felton allows me the little time I have to just relax and enjoy his content while drawing inspiration for my channel.

[@John-mf6ky]

@@GrooveSpaceArk, good thing no one cares about your time then, huh?

[@Skorzeny14996]

Mark thank you. This is absolutely the finest produced content on the internet in terms of military stories.

[@treyhelms5282]

Well, A channel called Greg’s airplanes and automobiles destroyed the Mark Felton channel on a question about Lancasters and A-bombs. Which makes me question the other content. But seems like Felton‘s normally got really good episodes.

[@lc285]

Other than the over- simplification of the history between Ukraine, and Russia, and its agreement to no ukrainian nuclear weapons, this was an interesting video.

[@patrickdoyle3525]

I agree. Keep up the Good work ! PJD.

[@kurgisempyrion6125]

@@treyhelms5282 Ahh you mean Greg's - yeah just another youtuber trying to get likes by hammering someone else - his analysis was NOT conclusive at all - it was based on a biased, redacted document which has changes (as far as I could tell) and several inaccuracies where he literally only cherry picked the aforementioned document and nothing else. Jury is still out so far.

[@johnathandavis3693]

@@lc285 It's a 10-minute video. I think the major points were effectively conveyed. If you want more in depth, maybe you should watch a much longer, information-dense history course. No thanks...

[@carlos-ju7ce]

Fun fact...the oldest fleet of aircraft still operating is in ... the South African Air Force, with serial numbers going back to 1943...a sight older than the Soviet era bombers. In case you've not guessed it, they're the C-47 (Douglas DC3 Dakota)

[@richardnoah2922]

My great-grandfather was an USAF pilot and he spent a few months in 1956 ferrying Upgraded C-47's to South Africa. Lovely airplanes.

[@PhillipFelix-kw3zi]

They will probably fly for many years to come

[@wes11bravo]

Doesn't the Colombian Air Force also have some upgraded C-47s in their inventory as well?

[@daveygman8737]

Never get bored of Mr Feltons videos. Great historian. The time he puts into these videos is appreciated by so many across the world. Thanks for all the content and effort you put into it for us all to enjoy 👍

[@primilumi7472]

Great historian should also know that use of strategic aviation against cities deep in Russia like Moscow would result in evaporation of city of Kiev with Tsar bomba.

[@h.-u.spengler6366]

Total nonsens!

[@freejulianassange537]

@@primilumi7472 We're glad you can read the mind of a mad-man. The rest of us have to rely on historical lessons.

[@fordfairlane662dr]

Another great lesson in current history..professor Mark Felton comes through again with another great video!

[@vvr881]

Teachers pet😂

[@mvd4436]

You do know that one half of Ukraine is Russophone and the other isn't right ? The Donbass would have had most of this stuff. Not the west Ukarine partisans.

[@joeyvr4350]

Professor doctor. . …What should I call mr. Mark Felton . Sir? Lord? Excellency? All of the above… just keep making quality documentaries my friend.

[@ericb4127]

@@joeyvr4350 You may address him as his grace.

[@Mortablunt]

And as a lesson in greater history: They who beat their swords into ploughshares will plough for those who don't.

[@superjonboy873]

Moral of the Story; Never let another country reduce YOUR country's military strength! Excellent Video as always Dr. Felton!

[@noelcollins2355]

It was the most favorable trade-off at the time. Ukraine at the time had more pressing issues. Like they say, "hindsight is always 20 20."

[@MrTurpasauna]

Never give russians anything for free. Or later they come back and try to take everything.

[@superjonboy873]

@@noelcollins2355 Sure, I'll grant that, but even so, I think the statement still applies.

[@dmg4415]

Why did the USA pressed Ukraine to disarm, did they anticipated or even worse induced the current situation?

[@sandcrastic8702]

@@dmg4415 Think of it in this way, Rather than allow newly formed somewhat unstable nations continue to own extremely large piles of military equipment, wouldn't it be a better way to hand them off to pay off debt and gain more relief? Edit: Adding on, Russia Ukraine and the USA signed an agreement that they would've respect Ukraine's Territory Sovereignty.

[@Mike_Hernandez]

Thank you for your hard work Dr Felton. Truly and deeply appreciated.

[@J.C...]

1991 seems like it was a lot further away from the year 2000 than it actually is. I worked at a pizza place in 2000 with a girl from Ukraine. She was around 20. So she was in Ukraine before they separated from the USSR. Wow. That never dawned on me back then. Like I said, 1991 seemed like it was sooooo much further away from 2000 than it was. Wow...

[@bbeen40]

I feel the same way whenever I walk by a machine at work and the ID plate says "Made in West Germany" lol.

[@andrewmorgan5950]

its way over due this man gets a show on history Channel , his stories are way more entertaining then most stuff you see on TV

[@demonprinces17]

Then they would make him do aleins

[@tylernilson7021]

they'd make him say fdr, churchill, stalin and hitler were buddies with bigfoot and aliens

[@andrewmorgan5950]

@@tylernilson7021 yeah while hunting for nazi gold

[@benbaker2965]

Perhaps Dr Felton has been offered and declined. We make assumptions on what he would like to do. I think he would prefer to do what he is doing where he has the control over the entirety of his production. But only Mark Felton can answer that question.

[@igor_pavlovich]

@@tylernilson7021 werent they? Can you proof they werent?

[@infoscholar5221]

The writing on the bomber at 5:40 reads "Vasily Reshetnikov" who is a Soviet WWII ace, and Hero of the Soviet Union. He is also over one hundred, and still very much alive.

[@leeharveyosmond]

more than just Soviet ... Ukrainian!

[@truthsRsung]

It looks like one scholar needs to dig a bit deeper next time.

[@koksu5692]

thats cool

[@chodeoriki4113]

@@truthsRsung how so?

[@renaldomagi2079]

@@chodeoriki4113 Just Soviet .... could mean any 18th federal state. or any land under the sphere of influence of the Soviet Union. and that was half of Europe. But he was a Ukrainian pilot. (23 December 1919 (age 102) Yekaterinoslav, Ukrainian People's Republic) This "little thing" was this important point.

[@williamlarson3623]

Always amazed at how detailed and well-researched Mark's productions are. Thank you, Mark, again.

[@Chironex_Fleckeri]

I learned a lot in just a few minutes. Always an honor to have content like this available on KZbin. And now I've got something to discuss at dinner 😂. Anyone else enthrall their families with Mark Felton content?

[@benjamincrom7276]

Appreciate the swing your channel has taken during this conflict. I understand the comments about it following the conflict and narrative for clicks but as a long time sub you have really stayed true to your writing style and incorporated history with current events really well. Thank you very much for all of your content. Alberta Canada 🇨🇦

[@CatnamedMittens]

He's also stayed apolitical

[@benjamincrom7276]

@@CatnamedMittens Agreed. He has really flowed his channels structure despite such a polarizing global incident.

[@TheBoomtown4]

@@benjamincrom7276 not sure how polarizing it is. Pretty one sided.

[@andyrob3259]

@@CatnamedMittens really? Then why do many about yet another war between 2 dodgy countries. I mean I’ve looked at his back stories and there’s not much on other recent conflicts and to most of the world what going on is a side show.

[@andyrob3259]

@@benjamincrom7276 global? Honestly mate you really need to get out of that bubble. Here in the Southern Hemisphere it’s yet another war. Despite the media coverage no ones talks about it.

[@joeyvr4350]

Many ppl make videos for KZbin, Mark makes mini-documentaries. This is a big difference.

[@fozzir]

Mark, your knowledge of the subject and presentation are second to none! Thank you so much!

[@nyfinest017]

Dr. Felton's documentaries are so good. It is a delight to watch them.

[@andysnyder4506]

When I was in the US Navy from 1978 until 1984 I served on a Boomer in the US Submarine Force. If you don't know what a Boomer is it's a fleet ballistic missile submarine and my boat was the USS Alexander Hamilton SSBN617. When we went on patrols in the area between Scotland/ Ireland and Iceland/ Norway, we were occasionally receiving Intel saying "Norwegian sea Advisory". In slang terms that meant there was a "Bear in the Air". This actually occurred several times on different patrols when I was serving on that boat. And by the way it was important to me cuz I was a sonarman.

[@stephen9869]

Interesting!

[@dougjohnson5243]

Too much information.

[@stefanmolnapor910]

Thank you for your service Sir.

[@UpsetNerd]

Could you pick it up on sonar? I've often seen that claimed in discussions about loud aircraft since it's apparently one of the loudest aircraft in existance.

[@floydlooney6837]

Could sonar detect an aircraft? Would that even be possible?

[@brianb2837]

Thank you Dr. Felton for all the great historical background that you have been showing on this. Its a valuable historical background that no one else has shown

[@Veldtian1]

What background? Based on an utterly idiotic premise, that just because weapon silos where planted or based on Ukrainian territory at a time they where members of a Union that then means they had free use of or control of said weaponry At WILL? *NO* *IT* *DOES* *NOT* and it never did. They where owned and operated by the Soviet Union. Not some country that became an entity after the fact. GEEZUS.

[@sashatodhunter7060]

Another intriguing offering. Thank you very much Mr. Felton

[@larryking2697]

Mark Felton is a greatasset to the chronicling of a wide variety of human activities. I'm just waiting for him to become: Sir Mark Felton. He deserves nothing but the best!!!!

[@Agorila09]

NEVER EVER give up your weapons If you want peace be prepared for war

[@darugdawg2453]

Ita funny how in Ukraine they gave citizens rifles while here in the west, politicians dont want you armed

[@FP194]

So you would be ok with Ukrainian nuclear weapons being launched at Russia

[@Agorila09]

@@FP194 Why do you say that? They are most useful as deterrent. A nuclear war would suck, even in a smaller scale.

[@trevorstewart8]

The tried and true phrase, used by Churchill I believe when dealing with an enemy, is: " Speak softly and carry a big stick".

[@Hattonbank]

Wasn’t that Teddy Roosevelt?

[@motorTranz]

This was one of your best episodes! Thank you Dr. Felton!

[@OTTAWAthoughts]

That's what I think with each new episode!

[@d.cypher2920]

what a resource this channel is! thank you, once again for sharing your voluminous knowledge of things with us. 😎🇺🇸

[@mandelorean6243]

Sometimes, I fade out of listening or get distracted, I keep it playing despite this..why? ... Dr.feltons voice and knowledge is easy on the ears

[@impguardwarhamer]

The Ukraine was not a member of Warsaw pact like other modern eastern european nations like Poland or Romania, but rather a direct component of the USSR and formerly the Russian Empire. It is more comparable to the UK's Scotland, or perhaps Northern Ireland, and it was the second most influential part of the Union after Russia. This is why there was so much equipment and important factories based there when the union split up. Unlike other post soviet states, Ukraine would have likely had the expertise to maintain and modernise these vehicles as many of them where originally designed and built in the country, however the cost of such an endeavour would have been their downfall.

[@V0YAG3R]

no

[@ashleysmith3106]

Let's not forget that when they had these facilities, Ukraine was ready to lob nuclear weapons on the West ! Now, suddenly, they're the Good Guys ? Amazing how Reality changes as a function of Time !

[@miguelservetus9534]

@@ashleysmith3106 Amazing what freedom to chose can do. Lesson for dictators and tyrants, don’t starve 32 million to death (the Holodomor ) and expect their descendants to be friends.

[@miguelservetus9534]

@Steve Arthur Always interested in learning. Are you saying that the Holodomor did not occur? Or are you saying that Stalin did not forcibly remove Ukrainians from their ancestral homes and relocate them? References appreciated. I would suggest Red Famine by Anne Applebaum. Or Execution by Starvation by Miron Dolot. Or Holodomor. The Ukrainian Famine-Genocide by Philip Wolny.

[@blank1778]

Corruption has always plagued Ukraine. First with the ussr now with America

[@machinegun333]

Brilliant video as always, Mark always comes through with the best paced and interesting videos. Also there is something about the sound of your voice which makes it perfect for historical war narration, it just sounds right.

[@kameshrath9441]

You're so right sir.

[@stefanmolnapor910]

Agreed!

[@stevenhershman2660]

Marks Videos are a life changer for me. The biggest thing I learned is that I know far less than I thought about WWII. Even my Dad who was on Omaha Beach and wounded in the Battle of the Bulge did not know all the info I get here.

[@rayanthony5647]

. Agreed!..Voice more suited for ww2 narration.

[@drunkenarcheryclub]

Thank you Mark. Loving the contemporary context. Really excellent.

[@usgator]

This is aggravating. It shows the dangers of unilaterally disarmament.

[@youngkeefstanka7822]

Fascinating stuff, thank you Mark for all of your recent and previous work on both recent and historical events. Definitely ought to donate some money for your awesome efforts!

[@czdaniel1]

Hey, there's a monument erected to _Operation Frantic_ at the aviation museum in Poltava... 6:35 I asked a guy where he was in WWII and he replied, _"Have you ever heard of Poltava?"_ I'm like, umm yes. _"Well that's where I was."_ I told him i didn't believe him. And that's how I spent the next two days learning about _Operation Frantic_ many years ago

[@ronnieallie8490]

Thank you for your hard work and research. Much appreciated.

[@williamthomas2278]

All the best history stories updated with current events. Thanks for sharing such great news and analysis

[@tarickw]

But this is all under the assumption that they would've been well maintained with crews capable of using their capabilities. It is very likely that they wouldn't until 2014 and have other priorities in the army post 2014

[@expertbrody9914]

Honestly after seeing Russian vehicles vs the Ukrainians I can say they maintain theirs much better than the Russians so perhaps not.

[@americameinyourmouth9964]

The Ukrainians could have retained a small nuclear fleet of a few dozen warheads scrapping the rest, without going broke.

[@abes3925]

@@americameinyourmouth9964 doubt it. They need Russian help to maintain them and Russia would not have helped.

[@TheKitMurkit]

@@abes3925 it's vice versa, the Russians need Ukrainian help to maintain their nuclear weapons

[@mvd4436]

Its all very theoretical. Much of this stuff could have been in possession of the Donbass region.

[@johnsaucedo1131]

They had 19 Black Jacks!?!?!?! That's an impressive Le May squadron! Too bad they had to give them up! Way to go Mark...love your current event vids!!!

[@CaptainK011]

As always brilliant video! Many thanks for such excellent historical coverage perspective of this related sad current war going on in Ukraine. You should have waaaay more followers Dr.Felton!

[@jamesstevenson5329]

thanks to american gevernment in 1990s, they decided for Ukrainian future tragedy

[@cressida00]

Marks delivery is smooth, well paced , and informative.

[@chvfd687]

Seeing this makes me wonder just exactly how long this conflict was in a phase of premeditation. Thank you as always for a great story!

[@aaronleverton4221]

The Ukrainians disarmed atomically and strategically before Putin even became Director of the FSB (KGB), let alone becoming prime minister of Russia or president.

[@ItIsHello]

Well, Putin did say the dissolution of the USSR was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe in the 20th century, so we can guess he’s been at least in some sort contemplating the reunification of the USSR since it’s dissolution in 1991.

[@ItIsHello]

We can also look back to the second Chechen war in 1999 and see the first reunification war under Putin.

[@aaronleverton4221]

@@ItIsHello You could say that's when the premeditation for this began, but it actually began when the Orange Revolution overturned the fraudulent election of Viktor Yanukovych in 2004 and the second run-off election putting Viktor Yuschenko in the presidency. But, the premeditation for this actually began in 2014 when the people of Ukraine booted Yanukovych from office because he unilaterally dumped the EU-Ukraine agreement in favour of a Russia-Ukraine agreement. That is when this began. 2014. Putin's chosen Quisling overturned a massively popular national policy in favour of an unpopular one, the people kicked him out of office and then after he fled they discovered his staggering corruption, Putin responded by seizing the Crimea, Yanukovych's traditional support base declared their independence and Putin sent the little green men into the Donbas to help them achieve the independence they couldn't achieve on their own. Putin thought he had set in motion the eventual unstoppable unification of the Donbas with "Mother" Russia. Instead the Ukrainian forces have slowly pushed the rebels backwards into ever less territory. With the rebels in danger of losing everything Putin has invaded to give them back what they couldn't hold themselves.

[@Sveta7]

Don't be ridiculous.

[@smc9108]

This was a terrific spot. Please feel free to produce more content analyzing and showcasing different aircraft, you're a natural to no surprise

[@thomasstone1363]

Yet another superbly informative video. Thank you Mark!

[@limestonecrafter9044]

Somebody give this man TV program on History Channel please . Mark , thank you for your work.

[@chets3597]

Never sell your guns.

[@tyree9055]

Lesson: Don't give up your guns. While they may do nothing and all of the time spent training is a price to pay in itself, the invisible field of security they provide is priceless.

[@69Phuket]

They complied to world peace. That's laudable and made them a credible peaceful nation. Otherwise there would've been a dozen or so wild, fledgling states with something they were unable to handle.

[@davemartino5997]

Damn right

[@darugdawg2453]

I remember when people in youtube comment section hated the f35s. Yea dont upgrade your war weapons and let it degrade like ukraine

[@FP194]

@mandellorian So you are an F35 pilot and have first hand knowledge of how the plane operates and it’s systems The F15EX is just an F15E with more payload and an upgraded cockpit and no stealth capability The F35 like the F22 is designed to kill its target before the enemy knows it’s there When the F22 was testing it went up against F15s and the F15s were dead before the pilots knew the 22 was there

[@thewedge8823]

thats easy to say when you don't have any money to feed your people or pay for natural gas to keep them warm....

[@peterm3964]

Brilliant insights . Another excellent video from MARK FELTON PRODUCTIONS

[@nachyomoney3598]

Always learn something new while tuning in to Mr. Felton.

[@Lupinthe3rd.]

People do forget that in the wake of independence for Ukraine the country had experienced several volatile political events at the time that caused doubt about Ukraine's ability to survive as a country. These concerns where shared by both west and east and from inside Ukraine. During the 1990s between 1991 and 1999 Ukraine lost 60% of its GDP and suffered five-digit inflation during the decade. from 2004 to 2014 the presidency has shuffled back and forth between pro western and pro kremlin factions. It easy to play armchair general or politician when forgetting about past events and not looking at the context of events at that moment in history.

[@andyrob3259]

The EU, the ones coming to its aid now, called Ukraine the second most corrupt country in Europe a mere 3 years ago and warned about doing business there. People forget that the Ukraine and Russia are as dodgy as each other and tbh if it wasn’t their oil; the west would have stepped right back.

[@shawnr771]

Yes. Militaries cost money. Especially if they have expensive hardware. That hardware requires maintenance and that costs money. Parts, qualified technical personnel etc. Kinda hard to justify keeping planes for a mission the Ukranian military did not envision when your people need food and jobs.

[@uranus.tlatoani]

I think is not an armchair vision, but an Historical, Ukraine is now playing the role that Syria play in the Roman vs Phartia war, Poland in the Germany-URSS relation before the IIWW, etc.

[@shaider1982]

Yup, history doesn't happen in a vacuum.

[@dhowe5180]

Good point. I remember the 1990s when Ukraine was a basket case led by former Soviet leaders and no economy to speak of. I doubt if any of these aircraft would have been airworthy today.

[@notmenotme614]

What hasn’t been mentioned is how complex these aircraft are to maintain. Ukraine having these aircraft is the easy part, but Ukraine keeping them flying in a fully functional condition is the difficult part. It takes a lot of complex spare parts down to circuit board level, repair facilities, industry support, logistics and trained experienced technicians.

[@aaronleverton4221]

He says about the country that owns Antanov.

[@estoyaqui5386]

@@aaronleverton4221 you mean Antonov? The Antonov-plant is bankrupt, as is pretty much the rest of Ukraine´s industry.

[@fikaa2388]

@@aaronleverton4221 Antonov was a commercial plane that paid for itself through international business contracts! That kind of funding was not possible for military planes! After the collapse of the USSR, Ukraine was the largest seller of weapons on the black market, which is why it was forced to give up nuclear weapons, because the West was afraid that it would sell it to someone! They did not give up nuclear weapons voluntarily, but under pressure, because they knew that their economy was destroyed, corruption at the astronomical level, the army fell apart because they did not even have money for food, let alone for proper maintenance of nuclear weapons and sophisticated planes! Especially since they would be under Western sanctions if they did not agree to give up nuclear weapons! All these other stories are pure nonsense!

[@aaronleverton4221]

@@fikaa2388 The point was that if the Ukraine possessed the skills and facilities to maintain the Antonovs then it possessed the skills and facilities to maintain Tupolevs. Money was the problem, not expertise.

[@fikaa2388]

@@aaronleverton4221 Of course, experience is not a problem, they have maintained those planes for decades, why would anyone think that experience is a problem? Behind that is logical thinking? Of course not! It is clear to everyone that the problem was money! As I said, today, three decades after the collapse of the USSR, people can be told all sorts of stories about the reasons for certain events, because people do not remember what happened last week, and not three decades ago in a country they have never heard of. !! The fact is that after the collapse of the USSR and after independence, Ukraine was economically, politically, socially, etc. destroyed, almost no law existed, corrupt privatizations of state companies were carried out, etc. The only thing they had was huge weapons, a combination of powerlessness, corruption and weapons it was a paradise for arms dealers, who could buy whatever they wanted, and it was almost ridiculously cheap! That is why the West has forced Ukraine to give up nuclear and highly sophisticated weapons!

[@NICOLAI_VET]

Saw and, not least, heard a Bear in the Baltic Sea of the Danish island of Bornholm. Impressive machine.

[@myplane150]

As an American who is partial to American Military hardware, I loooove this trifecta of Russian bombers. My fave bomber of all time is the B 1 but the Bear is a close second. The grace of the White Swan and the brutishness of the TU22... seriously, wow. Just, wow.☺

[@somewhere6]

Giving up all the nukes and deliver platforms was a mistake. The guarantees given by others turned out to be worthless as was inevitable. Properly maintaining all that gear would not have been possible but with cannibalization, enough of it would be available to put a scare into potential invaders. If the Iranians can keep some F-14s alive after an even greater time, the Ukrainians could do likewise.

[@Nigel-Nathan]

Ukraine wouldn't have been able to use the nukes without Moscow.

[@benghazi4216]

@@Nigel-Nathan Do Moscow posses some kind of magical control over nukes they once owned? Or are you thinking of a James Bond movie?

[@DavidB5501]

As to maintaining the gear, Ukraine has quite an advanced manufacturing capacity. I have seen it stated somewhere (rightly or wrongly), that one of the reasons why so many Russian tanks etc are breaking down is that they are not getting the necessary spare parts - manufactured in Ukraine! If that's true, it's another sign that the Russians were expecting a very quick takeover.

[@solracxd7456]

as far as i know many soviet planes where produced (partly) in ukraine. If they kept the nukes the ukrainian economy woud have colpsed because of sanctions

[@soil-play]

@@benghazi4216 yes - it's called the launch codes.

[@IMbobjonez]

Best channel on KZbin, very nice to get unbiased information

[@sirbader1]

Unbiased? What?

[@IMbobjonez]

@@sirbader1 specifically non-political

[@sirbader1]

@@IMbobjonez Its heavily UK biased.

[@LoneStarMillennial]

@@IMbobjonez Eh. No such thing. Felton is awesome, but he is a Brit. He is going to want (naturally) what is best for Britain, in his view. And so should we all, for our homelands.

[@IMbobjonez]

@@LoneStarMillennial if you've ever heard Mark speak about issues pertaining to Britian he always stays neutral, and suggests possibilities from various angles

[@TheMujiFuji]

Another excellent video Mr Felton. Always enjoy your work. Had to comment on the junkyard of a runway the footage was shot at....unbelievable!

[@alm4655]

I would love to hear your commentary on the progress of the war so far, Mark. And great video, by the way 👍

[@davidcritchley3509]

If he does that, he's gotta get deep into politics. And making speculations. That many would challenge. Not a good idea if he wants to retain his reputation for factual output.

[@nickvincent9645]

It is very surreal to me to think that in the near future, I might watch a Mark Felton video on the terrible events that transpired in Bucha during this conflict. These poor people.

[@weirdshibainu]

The sad part is that people thought the Russians would behave. Who in their right mind would leave their women and children at the hands of Russian troops? Insane. Any man that thought the Russians would not harm their families are not ignorant, just stupid.

[@anasevi9456]

@@weirdshibainu something tells me Bucha is going to be one of those words.. you will never have the nerve to bring up again when the dust clears.

[@weirdshibainu]

@@anasevi9456 Yeah. I agree.

[@robertf3479]

The TU-22M is a very impressive aircraft, particularly when you are being overflown by several at very low (just above masthead height) altitude. I have video that I shot in the Black Sea in 1986 of exactly that, Backfire Bomber loaded with cruise missiles overflying my ship. I think the Soviets wanted to make a point, that we (USS Caron and USS Yorktown) were not welcome to transit near the Crimean Peninsula. It's very possible that some of the planes that flew over us were some of those Ukraine gave up. Another excellent production sir. I knew about the Backfires but not about the Blackjacks. I had thought that the Soviets had all of those stationed further north and in the eastern part of Siberia, and had no idea of the number of aircraft.

[@robertf3479]

@@omegacentauri73 Yes. I made that trip twice while in Caron during our 1985/86 Mediterranian deployment. The object of the exercise was to exercise the Right of Innocent Passage through territorial waters, holding a course that would take us within the twelve mile territorial waters limit, enter at one point, steam straight through and depart back into international waters. That's all. The Soviets claimed that despite international law and the Law of the Sea treaty there was no such right. They dispatched aircraft and ships to "chase" us away. We were already on our way back out by the time the Soviet Air Force and ships arrived. The next cruise was a couple of months after I left Caron, you will find video of the "Bumping" by Soviet ships of USS Caron and USS Yorktown. The Right of Innocent Passage is exercised regularly against Russia and China.

[@wallingnaga6563]

@@robertf3479 just curious! Did Soviet/Russia and Chinese did the same near US coast ie the Right to innocent passage !?

[@robertf3479]

@@wallingnaga6563 Yes. In fact the Russians do and earlier Soviets did park Intelligence "Trawlers" off the East Coast of the US near major military installations, just outside of the twelve mile limit and would and do make a point of cruising through U.S. territorial waters in route to their stations. It's a very old game that the Chinese play too, sending Intelligence collectors to Hawaiian waters as well as our West Coast, the Russians do as well. They wouldn't do it if they did not think it worth the effort.

[@andrew_koala2974]

ISRA'EL made a better point when the the USS Liberty was brutally ; attacked by Israeli aircraft. The attack on the Liberty was one of the ; worst assaults ever carried out on a U.S. Naval vessel in peace time - ; and committed by an allied country. Since then, the survivors of this ; unprovoked attack have been seeking justice. The notion that the vessel was misidentified is a fairy story for the naive. That could only be TRUE if Isra'el is totally stupid. The attack took place 54 years, 10 months, 2 days ago as of today Sunday, April 10, 2022 The attack was to teach the USA a lesson who is Boss - The reminder was the attack near Yemen - just for good measure.

[@frankpienkosky5688]

@@andrew_koala2974 yeah,..but machine-gunning the lifeboats was a bit much.....

[@cowgoesmoo3850]

I love you videos, I have learned so much more about WW2. Than any other creator(other than German videos in English subtitles LOL). You deserve millions more subscribers, thank you Professor Mark for all the superb content. 😎😎😎

[@starsjosephfrost]

I love you mark, you don't try to antagonize anyone in your videos, you say the facts and theories and more, thank you.

[@hoffmiermp]

Brilliant content as usual Mark, thank you.

[@a18i92k]

Awesome video Dr as Always, goes well with morning tea.

[@nghnino]

This is great, Thank you Mark Felton

[@codypalm]

great video! at 7:55 that bear bomber sounds like the whole airforce at once lol, with the turbo noise and counter rotation props. sounds amazing.

[@AtheistOrphan]

Agreed, I’d love to witness one taking off!

[@frankpienkosky5688]

can stay in the air seemingly forever....

[@AndyCigars]

True today as it ever was... "Peace through superior firepower."

[@DanielCurti]

Love your channel, thanks a lot to inform measures also in metric system!

[@kustom4935]

Your channel provides a wealth of knowledge and information. Each video is brain-candy to feed my curious mind. Thank you for your time and efforts!

[@kippchapin7750]

In the words of Sir Winston Churchill, “Death Before Disarmament.”

[@harry503]

Never give up your arms, get into boxcar, take a walk in the wood.

[@StangQuest94]

Another great video Mark! The lesson here boys and girls, be energy independent and have a strong military.

[@zachhaus8488]

Please do more work on this Dr! Thank you

[@danroffee4904]

Anyone who has been a major and above and in any substantial military will tell you that training and maintenance is the main substantial and recurring cost of weapon systems.

[@CmdrTobs]

Not just militaries or weapon systems..... it's a truism.

[@chaschristiansen]

100%. the missiles would likely be useless and they would probably only have about 15% of those planes operational if any. that being said, I'm sure they could use NATO missiles and the right targets would have a demoralizing effect.

[@marc1829]

Doc, it would seem your experience as KZbin's premier WWII historian is serving you well in your recent pivot to contemporary coverage. Superb as always, Many thanks, M.

[@paulmurphy42]

Keep 'em coming Mark!

[@stratzenigma3169]

Cheers to Dr Felton!!!

[@CLHLC]

Just like previous videos, I appreciate the additional context to accompany current events. Thank you Mark.

[@657449]

As I remember, Ukraine gave up their nuclear weapons in a deal where both NATO and Russia pledged to guarantee their safety

[@sisyphusvasilias3943]

Wrong. UKR never had control of the nukes based on their territory. From the fall of the USSR UKR had agreed RF was the successor nation to the USSR and retained all strategic military command and control. The did so for $Billions in return. If UKR would have developed the infrastructure to use the nukes on their territory would have likely meant a war with RF for breaking their deal and RF would have had the support of USA who were fearful of post soviet states having nukes other than RF.

[@williamgill_esq.6487]

@@sisyphusvasilias3943 Actually it is true, except it was the USA, UK and Russia who guaranteed Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Russia lied. Of course, to be Russian is to necessarily be a liar. And a mass murdering bunch of Mongol thugs.

[@dhowe5180]

@@sisyphusvasilias3943 It’s easy to tell when a Russian is lying. Their lips move.

[@user-oj7gn3jq9m]

@@dhowe5180 why world needs to listen what war criminal Russians say?

[@jaybee9269]

@@dhowe5180 >> Fair enough. Have you seen the video of the Finnish Intelligence Officer giving a lecture on Russia? It’s pretty fascinating and had 1.5 million views the last I checked.

[@christophermiller987]

Thnx Mark ! Well down, as always !

[@ADB-zf5zr]

I am new to this channel, and this is the only video I have watched. I really appreciate the "what if's" that are made plainly and clearly, "opinions" are not required for those following closely and in the know.! I have my opinions and can speculate as well as the best of you, but sadly most "channels" make "statements" rather than ponder questions... . So far I like this channel, 1-video down, impression made, I will subscribe, watch a video or two now, and get back to you.

[@ufhffhdushsjd7805]

A historical masterpiece one again from the man himself if there were 2 people I could dine with before I died one would be you sir Felton

[@jp5481]

And the other?

[@mikeypiros6647]

@@jp5481 MR BALLEN !ON UTUBE

[@JCinerea]

At the time that Ukraine left the Soviet Union, I don't think that anyone was able to foresee the present conflict. At that time, the infrastructure of the former Soviet Union was in serious disarray, so there was thought to be serious danger of weapons disappearing or being stolen from Soviet stockpiles by terrorists or rogue nations. I think that destroying the warheads was the best move.

[@dp-sr1fd]

Dead right.

[@Rudizel]

Agreed. Ukraine has only recently started getting back on it’s feet, these aircraft and missiles would have all went into disrepair had Ukraine kept them. Paying the gas bill was probably more important at the time.

[@dp-sr1fd]

@@Rudizel Another thing to consider is that if Ukraine had kept up this fleet there could be only one country it was aimed at. Russia may well have invaded years ago.

[@Kantz1]

Even as at the time of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine was still too poor to maintain such military might. Even the so called superpower Russia have demonstrated less capability than we expected. (If Russia had been up against another country better than Ukraine, they’d be down by now). Good job the world rallied round Ukraine. I pray they keep up the support. Bullying should not exist in the 21st century.

[@Rudizel]

@@dp-sr1fd Very valid point.

[@TheFozzir]

Keep up the GREAT work!

[@suttone75]

This was a great video. Why haven't you had a show on TV, yet? You could be a narrator for the BBC or narrate subjects for history channels. Well done, sir.

[@boiboiboi1419]

BBC , that propaganda machine

[@joetrainor7160]

I confess to being a complete youtube addict. But in all of the wonderful and diverse content it supplies I consider Mr Felton to occupy the number one spot!

[@crosschrist3827]

Yes!!

[@alastairhil4417]

Mark mate please keep these videos coming 🙏🏽

[@Articulate99]

Always interesting, thank you.

[@martiniv8924]

The Backfire and Blackjack’s look formidable aircraft 👌🏻

[@michaelmitchell6476]

Thank you Dr Felton for this, while I am more knowledgeable of U.S and British bomber like the venerable Avro Vulcan this has given me an expanded knowledge of Russian a aviation, thank you very much for this small and very entertaining lecture

[@MrShobar]

Avro

[@frankpienkosky5688]

Vulcan was a cool plane...had, perhaps its finest hour in that Falkland raid....

[@janantoni3604]

Mark, superior video material.

[@MrBlewvane]

Good work Mark.

[@jona.scholt4362]

I always thought the Backfire looked it intimidating with it's unique nose, giant intakes and large vertical stabilizer.

[@AtheistOrphan]

I agree. Backfire-A looked far less intimidating than subsequent versions with it’s flat-ish intakes.

[@davt8615]

all of the Soviet era strategic bombers look menacing. it's crazy to think the tu160 blackjack is an old platform, yet not many have answers even now for such a capable aircraft

[@V0YAG3R]

no

[@PieGotFace]

no

[@Debbiebabe69]

Blackjacks were introduced in 1987. They are more modern than most of the American fighters designed to face them - Eagles were introduced 1976, Falcons 1978, and Hornets 1982.

[@frankpienkosky5688]

the B-70 was even faster and flew higher...but even it could not evade missiles

[@davt8615]

@@frankpienkosky5688 obviously the t-160 is guna get hit with missiles aswell, but I respect the technology, can you build 1? Can you build a missile system? No ya cant, anyone can talk s**t

[@sugbosugbo1987]

My favorite Production Channel I wont skip the ads.

[@gregoryemmanuel9168]

I had no idea Ukraine had such a large strategic bomber fleet. Had she kept it, would it have been enough of a deterrent? As you said, “Maybe”, “Perhaps”… Regardless, you gave us very interesting information and something to think about. Thank you Mark and slava Ukraine 🇺🇦.

[@LetsGoBowlingNiko]

They could but against the more modernized Russian Air Force they could be easy prey. That's why Dr. Felton kept saying maybe or perhaps because the neglected Ukrainian Air Force may not even dare to use these aircraft against modern Russian fighters such as the Su-30 and Su-35.

[@MrGouldilocks]

Following the dissolution of the USSR, Ukraine was left with a sizable stockpile of Soviet nukes and strategic bombers . But possessing weapons is not the same thing as being able to deploy and maintain them. Ukraine didn't have the engineering/scientific expertise, or the proper launch codes to actually use the nuclear weapons and strategic bombers. They also couldn't realistically afford to properly maintain and safeguard the old Soviet military hardware Given a lot of time and a lot of money, Ukraine could have potentially made the bombers and nukes usable. But Ukraine was in bad economic shape and was under a lot of international pressure to relinquish their Soviet equipment. I think they were even given financial incentives from NATO and (ironically) security guarantees from Russia when they finally decided to hand everything over in the 90s.

[@LoneStarMillennial]

Ukraine didn't build it, and it wasn't theirs to keep really. They could not afford any of that, as it was Russian equipment placed in that part of Russia. So when it split, it was fairly useless to them anyway.

[@TheKitMurkit]

@@MrGouldilocks well, actually Ukraine had the expertise to maintain nuclear weapons. For example, Russian nuclear weapons were scheduled to maintenance by Ukrainian specialists in 2017, but Russia refused, because there already was a slow invasion. So, part of Russian nuclear weapons could be out of order already.

[@americameinyourmouth9964]

Ukraine could have financially maintained a small fleet of a few dozen warheads and not gone broke. It was pressure from the great powers with their desire for nuclear monopoly, that made them give them up.

[@meertenwelleman6249]

This really is incredible information, Mark, I never realized that Ukraine was a nuclear power.

[@phillee2814]

More so than the UK, CCP or France - they were actually the third-largest nuclear power when they first regained independence.

[@ddoumeche]

Ukraine never was a nuclear power, they were hosting soviet nukes assembled and designed in Russia. Ukraine suggested it would keep them, and both Russia and the US proposed to guarantee its sovereignty under the Budapest memorandum . It lasted less than 20 years

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

When Mark Felton is showing videos of Current Events, you just KNOW that we are living in Historic Times!

[@martinelduin2214]

Excellent information, perspective, and relevant to the current situation. Not only for the information and perspective you provide, but how it will encourage many of us to look further into how the stage was set in this conflict. Somehow the statement I make often, "if a politician touched it, it's broken" seems to have been reinforced intentionally or otherwise by your work on this channel.

[@jirivorobel942]

Thanks for another great video. To further improve your content, consider the following: 1. Kh is an English transcription of one letter, which is pronounced like the J in jalapeño, definitely not K-H. If it was an acronym, it would be in all caps. 2. Most Eastern designations that are an abbreviation of the chief designer's name should be read as one syllable unless capitalized (MiG is an exception), so An, not A-N, for Antonov, Su (pronounced soo like in soot, not S-U) for Sukhoi, Tu (pronounced too) for Tupolev. Not only it's the correct pronunciation, it also rolls off the tongue better.

[@RReese08]

Yet another fascinating video that adds perspective to events happening in a very troubled part of the world as we speak. Considering how much inventory Ukraine scrapped, what are (or were) the chances that a few examples of the Backfire, Blackjack and Bear bombers, plus cruise missiles and other weapons, made their way to the US or UK? Considering the high value that these planes and systems have (or had) to Western intelligence, I would think that making a few acquisitions written off as "scrapped" would've been opportunities too good to pass up at the time. I'd like to think that, parked in hangars at the infamous Area 51, a handful of these aircraft remain for inspection, analysis, and occasional exercise in the skies over the Nevada desert - at night, of course. Thanks Again, Dr. Felton, for all that you do.

[@wolfhalupka8992]

seeing a White Swan over the High Sierras, with USAF markings, would be quite a sight!

[@baneofbanes]

@@wolfhalupka8992 yah that’s not what a western Air Force would do with it.

[@RReese08]

@@wolfhalupka8992 There have been reports over the years of unidentified aircraft flying over the Area 51 and Tonopah test ranges that nobody had been able to categorize. The F-117 stealth fighter has been officially off the USAF books for several years, but there have been credible reports by eye witnesses who saw them in flight as recently as a couple years ago. For what reason, one can only imagine. So, who knows? I'm sure it would've been worth it to the US to pay Ukraine handsomely to take some of these aircraft and other items off their hands - so they could be properly scrapped under close supervision, of course.

[@aleksazunjic9672]

Ukrainians sold everything to everyone during 1990s and early 2000s . Chinese were the main buyers (they got their first carrier there alongside blueprints). Therefore, strategic bombers would likely end up in their hands.

[@motrhead69]

Oh you know it....

[@rammlady6225]

Many thanks from🇸🇪for your always so interesting and informative videos! I’m looking forward to your upcoming films! 🙏🇸🇪❤️🇬🇧🇺🇦🌻🥰

[@brosifstalin415]

Your channel is amazing

[@bmac7643]

Clicked faster than Russia’s hypersonic missiles

[@edwardfletcher7790]

You mean their modified 1980's missiles that are all hype ? LOL

[@bmac7643]

@@edwardfletcher7790 seems about right for Russia

[@Ryan-wu1oi]

There missiles are pretty accurate , they just mostly used dummy bombs because its crazy cheaper... We are the only country that's willing to spend nearly a trillion dollars every year on our military. But most of the cash goes to our 900+ foreign military bases so our government can keep most countries under our boot. Now China is creeping and slowly taking our spot.

[@nemanja162]

@@edwardfletcher7790 what modified 1980s missiles? both the iskander and kinzhal are better than what the usa has 😂

[@representativeofthedidistu2804]

@@nemanja162 Z-tard moment

[@sheldonrobertson8670]

Thanks so much Dr. Felton for your expert opinion of the war in Ukraine, I'm always amazed at how much you know about military intelligence of past wars and also current affairs please keep us updated on what's happening thanks again..

[@pedrogaspar1557]

very good honest content thank you