Ukraine declared Friday a significant victory with its claim to have shot down a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber. This alleged takedown marks the first of its kind since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine over two years ago.
Ukraine's Air Force Commander, Mykola Oleshchuk, asserted that air defense units, working with Defense Intelligence, destroyed the bomber, known for carrying Kh-22 cruise missiles often used against Ukrainian cities.
Conflicting Reports
Russia's Defense Ministry countered Ukraine's claim, attributing the bomber's crash in the Stavropol region to a technical malfunction. The ministry reported that the plane was returning to base following a combat mission.Four pilots ejected, with one fatality confirmed by the regional governor and a search ongoing for the remaining pilot. The Stavropol region lies hundreds of kilometers away from Ukrainian-held territory.
Dnipropetrovsk Missile Attacks
The news of the bomber coincides with reports of large-scale Russian missile attacks targeting Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukraine's interior ministry states at least eight civilians were killed and 21 wounded, including two children. Residential buildings and railway infrastructure were damaged.The state-owned Ukrzaliznytsia railway company also reported injuries and the closure of Dnipro station, necessitating the rerouting of trains.
