The Ukrainian military claimed it destroyed the TU-22M3 strategic bomber at the Soltsy airbase in Novgorod Oblast, northwestern Russia, about 650km from the border with Ukraine.
Social media images showed the aircraft engulfed in a fierce fire at the military base.
Nerve centre for Russian fleet targeted in missile strike
The Russian defence ministry said in a statement a plane was damaged during a drone attack.
The attack occurred on Saturday and was carried out by "a copter-type UAV," the ministry said, using an acronym for unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones.
The drone was spotted by an observation post at the airfield and shot with small arms, the Russian officials said.
"A fire broke out in the aircraft parking lot, which was quickly extinguished by fire brigades," the statement added.
The defence ministry said there were no casualties as a result of the attack.
- Reported with CNN
