The Tu-160s have returned to Russia and they did air to air refuel. Radio enthusiasts noted at least two IL-78 Midas tankers along with the Tu-160s using HF last night. Looks like they refeulled them in the Barents area before they returned to Engels.
MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Tu-160 strategic bombers have returned to their home airfield in Russia after a their visit to Venezuela, the Russian Defense Ministry's department of information and communications said on Saturday.
"Long-range aircraft flew in the airspace over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, Norwegian and Barents Seas," the defense ministry said. "Tu-160 strategic bombers flew over 12,000 kilometers and refueled in the air," the ministry added.
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TASS: Military & Defense - Tu-160 bombers return to home airfield in Russia after visit to Venezuela