VIDEO: Ukraine’s strike sends Russian bomber into tailspin

For the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago, Ukraine claims to have shot down a Russian long-range bomber usedfor launching cruise missiles into its territory.

"For the first time, anti-aircraft missile units of the air force in cooperation with the defence intelligence of Ukraine destroyed a Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber," Ukraine's military said in a statement, according to news agency AFP.

The official handle of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry posted on X, "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."

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Russian officials stated that one crew member of the plane died when it crashed in the southern Stavropol region while returning to base.

"A Russian armed forces Tu-22M3 aircraft crashed in the Stavropol region while returning to the base aerodrome after performing a combat mission. The pilots ejected," the state-run TASS news agency quoted Russia's defence ministry as saying.

Crew member dies as Russian bomber crashes in southern Russia

In a post on Telegram, Stavropol governor Vladimir Vladimirov confirmed the death of one crew member and stated that two others were taken to a medical facility. "The search for the fourth pilot is continuing," he added.

Stavropol, situated in Russia's north Caucasus, east of Crimea, has experienced multiple attacks during the war. According to the AFP report citing the governor, the plane crashed in the region's Krasnogvardeysky district, approximately 400 km from the eastern edge of Crimea.

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The main intelligence directorate of Ukraine's defence ministry reported, "The plane was shot down at a distance of about 300 kilometres from Ukraine. As a result of the hit, the bomber was able to fly to the Stavropol area, where it crashed."

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

(With inputs from agencies)