It is unclear how Ukraine succeeded in shooting down the command planes flying above the Sea of Azov

It is unclear how Ukraine succeeded in shooting down the command planes flying above the Sea of Azov

Ukraine’s military has shot down two of Russia’s command planes, in one of the most disastrous days for the Kremlin’s air power since the start of Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s commander in chief, said his air force had destroyed an A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft and an Il-22 control centre plane. Both were flying above the Sea of Azov on Sunday when they were hit at 9.10pm local time.

The A-50, which detects air defences and coordinates targets for Russian jets, crashed instantly, killing its crew. The badly damaged Il-22 appears to have made an emergency landing at an airfield in Anapa, Russia.

It is unclear how Ukraine managed to target and shoot down the planes. One theory is that a Patriot anti-aircraft missile battery – supplied by the US – was used. This, however, would involve moving the system close to the frontline where it could be detected.

  • AutoTL;DRBEnglish
    13•11 months ago

    This is the best summary I could come up with:

    Ukraine’s military has shot down two of Russia’s command planes, in one of the most disastrous days for the Kremlin’s air power since the start of Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion.

    Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s commander in chief, said his air force had destroyed an A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft and an Il-22 control centre plane.

    Pro-Kremlin bloggers suggested the planes were hit by friendly fire or even shot down by a team of British SAS operatives using surface-to-air missiles.

    Kyiv’s counter-offensive last year failed and in recent months Russia has launched a wave of attacks across the east, along a frozen frontline, seeking to regain the initiative.

    Since last year Ukraine has systematically degraded Russian military infrastructure in occupied Crimea, targeting radar stations and other installations.

    It bombed the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea fleet in the port of Sevastopol and has forced naval vessels to relocate to safer harbours.

    The original article contains 559 words, the summary contains 149 words. Saved 73%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!