RF reduces activity of its aviation in Black Sea after destruction of Tu-22M3 - Air Force

Photo: Illia Yevlash, spokesman for the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (Getty Images)

The Russian Federation has reduced the activity of its strategic aviation in the Black Sea waters after a hostile Tu-22M3 bomber was destroyed on April 19, reported the spokesperson of the Ukrainian Air Force, Illia Yevlash.

Yevlash reminded that the Russians have bombers of various types, and it is likely that the Russian Federation will not refuse to continue missile strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure. However, the destruction of the Tu-22M3 has significantly affected aviation activity.

“In addition, there has been quite successful work on destroying radar stations that guided strikes on our country. Therefore, in recent times, the use of aviation from the south of Ukraine has somewhat decreased,” added the spokesperson of the Air Force.

Destruction of the Tu-22M3

In the night of April 19, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense jointly conducted an operation to destroy the Russian Federation’s strategic bomber Tu-22M3.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, this is the first instance where our defenders have shot down an aircraft of this type. It was also the first time two Kh-22 missiles were successfully intercepted.

The Russian Tu-22M3 had been striking Ukraine before its destruction. It was “landed” at a distance of 300 km from Ukraine. The Tu-22M3 was shot down by the S-200 anti-aircraft missile system.

Learn more about this Tu-22M3 aircraft and the Kh-22 missiles in the material by RBC-Ukraine.