Dramatic fall of Russian aircraft sparks claims from Ukraine
A Russian bomber has reportedly crashed under dramatic circumstances, with Ukrainian forces claiming responsibility for downing the aircraft. This incident adds a new layer of tension between the two nations amid ongoing conflicts. The claims have not been independently verified, but they mark a significant escalation in the military engagements in the region.
6:07 AM EDT, April 19, 2024
Vladimir Vladimirov, the governor of Stavropol Krai, was the first to announce the Tu-22M3 crash on his Telegram channel. According to his report, the tragedy unfolded in a field within the Krasnogvardeysky District.
The announcement came shortly after midnight Eastern Time, following the cessation of an air raid alarm in Ukraine. This period saw Dnipro and Odesa as focal points of Russian missile activity.
"It was shot down"
The ministry further noted that initial investigations point to a "technical malfunction" as the cause of the crash, stressing that the aircraft was not carrying ammunition at the time.
Situated in the Caucasus, Stavropol Krai forms part of Russia's southern realm within its European territory. It shares its northern border with the Rostov Region, located near Ukraine.