Ukraine says it shot down a Russian strategic bomber

2024-04-19 09:48:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Ukraine that for the first time since Russia launched the invasion, its forces have shot down a long-range bomber.

According to the Ukrainian military, the Tu-22M3 strategic bomber was used by Russia to launch cruise missiles across the country, which is facing an invasion launched by Moscow in February 2022.

"For the first time, the anti-aircraft units of the Air Force, in cooperation with the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, have destroyed a Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber," the military said in a social media post.

The announcement of the downing of the strategic bomber came as President Volodymyr Zelensky asked his country's Western allies to urgently supply his country with more air defense systems after Russia launched a deadly missile attack on 19 April to Ukrainian cities and critical energy infrastructure.

"Every country that provides air defense systems to Ukraine, every leader who helps convince our partners that air defense systems should not be stored in hangars but deployed in cities and communities facing terror, and everyone who supports the defense ours, it's a lifesaver," Zelensky said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Earlier on April 19, at least two people were killed and 15 others were injured in Dnipro, Ukraine by Russian missile attacks.

Serhiy Lysak, the head of the administration of the Dnipropetrovsk region, where Dnipro is located, said in a Telegram post that a residential building and infrastructure were damaged as a result of the attacks. Lysak also said that there may be victims in the town of Sinelnikov, but did not give more details.

The third location in Dnipropetrovsk, Krivij Ri – Zelensky's hometown – was the target of a separate Russian attack. The head of the city, Oleksandar Vilkul, reported that three people were injured and added that there was damage to the infrastructure.

"Russia must be held accountable for its terror and all 'Shahed' missiles and drones must be shot down," Zelensky wrote.

For months, Ukraine has been seeking more air defense systems as it faces intensified Russian attacks targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. Kiev is also facing shortages of weapons and ammunition as it waits for the US Congress to unlock a critical military aid package.

The United States has been the main supplier of military aid to Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion of the neighboring country in February 2022.

But the $60.84 billion military aid package for Ukraine remains blocked in the House of Representatives over opposition from hard-line Republican lawmakers.

The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the new military aid package for Ukraine on April 20./ REL