Ukraine Claims Downed Tu-22M3 Russian Bomber in Major First; Russia Cites Malfunction

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.

Zelenskyy Renews Calls for Air Defense Aid​

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, calling for Russia to be held accountable. He reiterated his appeal for international support to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

 

[Anubis the Great]

Friendly fire??

 

[Pink Panther]

Friendly fire??

Not in South western Russia.

 

[Radha Ramanan]

its clear that bomber is in flat spin with flames form one of its engines. The likely hood of it being hit by a missile near ukraine on its mission is plausible. Being big plane it could manage to go some distance back into russia before being overwhelmed by the missile hit.
Definitely not a technical issue as the if there was any, the pilot could have shut of the engine and come back on one engine like the su-30 or any twin engine fighter
Its likely that there was a catastrophic failure with the control system itself for the bomber to enter a flat spin after the missile hit.

 

[Indian1]

its clear that bomber is in flat spin with flames form one of its engines. The likely hood of it being hit by a missile near ukraine on its mission is plausible. Being big plane it could manage to go some distance back into russia before being overwhelmed by the missile hit.
Definitely not a technical issue as the if there was any, the pilot could have shut of the engine and come back on one engine like the su-30 or any twin engine fighter
Its likely that there was a catastrophic failure with the control system itself for the bomber to enter a flat spin after the missile hit.

Lies told by Ukraine and it's western Allies are never to be trusted. Always reporting sensational lies.

 

[Bharat007]

Lies told by Ukraine and it's western Allies are never to be trusted. Always reporting sensational lies.

Same goes with Russia. It's called Propaganda war.

 

[Bharat007]

Look like more of a missile hit (not direct hit) rather than technical malfunction. Expert analysis can help to understand the actual cause.

 

[Avada kedavra]

The only time I see a Russian plane is when it is being shot down.
Never saw it shooting down anything else.

 

[Rudra]

Had it been a missile hit, the plane wouldn't have gone into such a flat spin at almost zero velocity. It seems to have stalled before entering into a flat spin. Most probably some problem with the engine, the pilots tried to fly it back, the burnout maybe also resulted in damaged hydrolics or maybe lost power completely and entered a flat spin after stalling. The only good thing here is that both the pilots survived. Reliable ejection system on such a fast plane.