Russian officials claim that the plane crashed in the southern Stavropol region due to a technical malfunction. Ukraine’s air force, on the other hand, stated that they shot down a Russian strategic bomber using antiaircraft missiles for the first time since the war began in 2022. The incident occurred in Russian airspace, 300km (186 miles) from Ukraine’s border after the warplane took part in a long-range air strike that resulted in the death of at least nine people in Dnipropetrovsk.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the plane had fired missiles at Ukraine before returning to its base in Russia. Ukraine’s military released a statement saying, “For the first time, antiaircraft missile units of the air force, in cooperation with the defence intelligence of Ukraine, destroyed a Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber.” Despite Russia’s denial of the attack, Ukraine’s military insists that they successfully took down the bomber.
The Russian Defence Ministry stated that the crash was caused by a technical malfunction and denied Ukraine’s claims of shooting down the bomber. The incident resulted in one crew member’s death, with two others admitted to hospital. The search for the fourth crew member is ongoing. Russian strikes in Dnipro and surrounding areas caused casualties and extensive damage, prompting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to urge Western allies to supply Ukraine with air defence systems. Rescue operations are currently underway in the affected areas.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg mentioned that the alliance is looking into sending more air defence systems to Ukraine, with discussions ongoing with specific countries. The United States is expected to vote on a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine this weekend.