For the first time since the beginning of a full-scale war, anti-aircraft missile units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, destroyed a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber that was firing Kh-22 cruise missiles at the territory of Ukraine.
This is reported by the Press Service of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"On the night of April 19, 2024, the Russian occupiers launched a combined attack with missiles of various types and attack UAVs," the statement said.
In total, the enemy used 36 means of air attack - 22 missiles of various types and 14 attack drones.
- 2 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles from Tu-95 MS strategic aviation aircraft (launch area Ryazan-RF);
- 14 Shahed-131/136 strike UAVs (from the areas of Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Kursk Region - Russia);
- 12 Kh-59/Kh-69 guided missiles (Kursk Region and the Sea of Azov);
- 2 "Iskander-K" cruise missiles (from Crimea);
- 6 Kh-22 cruise missiles from Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bombers (from the Black and Azov Seas).
"Anti-aircraft missile troops of the Air Force, mobile firing groups and electronic warfare units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces were involved in repelling the enemy air attack," the statement said.
As a result of the anti-aircraft battle, 29 air targets were destroyed:
- 2 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles;
- 14 Shahed-131/136 attack UAVs;
- 11 Kh-59/Kh-69 guided missiles;
- 2 Kh-22 cruise missiles.
"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, a carrier of Kh-22 cruise missiles, which Russian terrorists use to hit peaceful Ukrainian cities. Today's attack is the first time two missiles of this type have been destroyed. Ukraine needs more means, more missiles, to better protect the frontline territories from Russian terrorism. I am grateful to all those who made this result possible today. Evil will be punished," the Press Service added.
Earlier, Apostrophe reported that Russia hit the center of Chernihiv with missiles, killing and wounding many people.