Ukraine Claims First-Ever Shootdown of Russian Long-Range Bomber

In a significant development marking the first such incident since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over two years ago, Ukrainian military forces have reported downing a Russian long-range bomber employed for launching cruise missiles into Ukrainian territory.

According to statements from Ukraine’s military, in collaboration with defence intelligence, anti-aircraft missile units successfully targeted and destroyed a Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber. The Ukrainian Defence Ministry’s official channel on X affirmed the incident, stating, “The Ukrainian Air Force shot down the enemy Tu-22M3 strategic bomber, which russia used to attack Ukrainian cities. In addition, our warriors repelled another massive air attack and shot down 29 aerial targets: 2 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles 14 Shahed UAVs 11 Kh-59/Kh-69 guided air missiles 2 Kh-22 cruise missiles Great job, warriors! Thank you for your service!.”

The Ukrainian Air Force shot down the enemy Tu-22M3 strategic bomber, which russia used to attack Ukrainian cities.

In addition, our warriors repelled another massive air attack and shot down 29 aerial targets:
◾️2 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles
◾️14 Shahed UAVs
◾️11 Kh-59/Kh-69… pic.twitter.com/lw2zN5TXIn

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) April 19, 2024

Russian authorities confirmed the crash of the Tu-22M3 aircraft over the southern Stavropol region during its return to base after a combat mission. The state-run TASS news agency quoted Russia’s defence ministry, reporting the death of one crew member, while the pilots ejected from the aircraft. Stavropol governor Vladimir Vladimirov, in a Telegram post, confirmed the casualty and noted that two other crew members were transported to a medical facility, with efforts ongoing to locate the fourth pilot.

This morning, a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber crashed outside of Stavropol.

Footage of the Russian bomber falling, burning and in a flatspin: pic.twitter.com/QJ5yg1vtSU

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 19, 2024

The incident occurred in Stavropol’s Krasnogvardeysky district, approximately 400 km from the eastern edge of Crimea, a region that has witnessed multiple attacks throughout the ongoing conflict. Ukraine’s defence ministry’s main intelligence directorate revealed that the bomber was targeted at a distance of about 300 kilometres from Ukraine, ultimately crashing in the Stavropol area after sustaining damage.

The Russian invasion commenced in February 2022.