The 184th GvTBAP's 19 "Blackjacks" were effectively grounded because of a lack of technical support, spare parts and fuel.

At this point in time, Ukraine considered the Tu-160s more of a bargaining chip in their economic negotiations with Russia.

Certainly, they were of very limited value to Ukraine from a military standpoint, but discussions with Russia concerning their return bogged down.

The last of Ukraine's strategic bombers, a Tu-160, was destroyed by agreement with the United States in February 2001.

At the request of the United States, earthen revetments, bomb shelters, two fuel and lubricant depots, and other facilities at the air base were also destroyed.