Ukraine claims it downed second Russian 'spy' plane in weeks, as war completes two years
Russian A-50 military spy plane
Ukraine on Friday (Feb 23) said they have downed a Russian A-50 military spy plane, whihcis the second such claim made by Kyivin less than amonth.
According to Ukrainian military sources, the plane was destroyed between the Russian cities of Rostov-on-Don and Krasnodar and nearly 200km from the front line.
The fragments of the plane were reportedly found by the emergency services in Kanevskoy district and the officials also doused a raging fire.
Also Read:Can Ukraine sustain the fight against Russia?
Russia haven't responded to the claims made byUkraine, so far. February 24 marks two years since a full-scale invasion was launched by Russia.
Speaking about the incident, head of Ukraine's Air Force Mykola Oleshchuk thanked his service and military intelligence for taking measures to bring down the suspected 'spy' plane, which they claimed was a long-range radar detection aircraft and emphasised how the incident coincided with a key Russian military holiday.
"Congratulations to the occupiers on the Defender of the Fatherland Day," Oleshchuk said on Telegram.
Plane 'in flames' after crash
)
The Early Spring is proof not everyone can talk about their real feelings, and it is perfectly OK
)
UN votes to ‘correct the map’ as India backs fairer world view
)
Nigerian Navy discovers 99,000 litres of suspected stolen, illegally refined products as it intensifies anti-crude oil theft operations
)
Who is Aditi Paudel? 17-year-old becomes Japan's first literacy ambassador
)
Bengaluru: Officials find 40 kg expired chilli at chairman's club
)
Jaishankar rejects trade link to ending Ukraine war
)
Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill three, injure 23 despite truce
)
Alpine glacier was covered with sheep wool sheets to prevent melting. It worked
)
South Korea mulls deploying military assets to Strait of Hormuz
)
World's fifth-largest economy, British army can't afford to train
)
Breaking | Vance takes the podium: First White House briefing since Leavitt's exit
)
Taiwan raises 'concerns' over China's missile test
)
BRICS 2026: $1 trillion sovereign capital set to converge in Delhi for first iBRICS Summit
)
What is Iran's Pickaxe Mountain that Trump has again threatened to bomb?
)
UN votes to correct world map that visually shrank Africa for 450 years
)
Former NewJeans member Danielle launches YouTube channel, hints at new solo journey
)
Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa
)
Brendan Fraser’s transformation fuels The Mummy 4 excitement as fans welcome back Rick O’Connell
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Krishna Janmashtami 2026: From Dhaniya Panjiri to Makhana Kheer- 5 best sweet dishes perfect for celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth
)
Donald Trump plans to travel to Ireland on Qatari-donated jet amid security concerns
)
Nazi-looted art to return to Jewish heirs
)
Eight killed in Kerala’s Thrissur after car rams into lorry parked on highway
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets use bulky, low-pressure tyres compared to US jets
)
FBI-wanted fraud accused arrested in Jalandhar over $600,000 scam
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US tanks weigh over 20 tons more than Russian tanks
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (September 4, 2026): GDN, Dhamaal 4, Jagamae Sangeetham- Watch 6 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Killing the Himalayas slowly: Human urine is melting a glacier on Mount Everest
In the videos shared on the social media platforms, it appeared that the plane was shot down from the air and huge flames as well as dark smoke rose after the crash.
However, one Russian military-aligned Telegram channel claimed that the plane may have come down because of friendly fire. "At the moment it is unknown who shot it down,” Fighterbomber wrote on Telegram.
On January 14, Ukraine claimed that it had shot down an A-50. The UK's Ministry of Defence, in a previous media briefing, said that Russia has at least six operational A-50s in service.
Watch:Russia-Ukraine war: 81 Frontline battles in past 24 hours
The planes, which are able to detect air defences as well as co-ordinate targets for Russian jets, are likely to cost hundreds of millions of dollars to build.
Ukraine has been facing difficulties in making significant advances against the forces of Russia, especially in the south-east.
In the incident which occurred last month, Ukrainian army officials claimed that they destroyed aIl-22 control centre plane as well as the A-50.
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.