In a significant development during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both sides have reported incidents involving Russian military aircraft. On April 19, 2024, Ukraine claimed to have shot down a Russian Tupolev Tu-22M Backfire bomber over the Stavropol region in southern Russia. This marks the first reported destruction of a strategic Russian bomber in the air during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian military announced that they used either an American-made Patriot or an ex-Soviet S-200 missile to damage the bomber, which ultimately crashed near Stavropol city. The incident resulted in at least two civilian fatalities due to missile strikes in Dnipro city.
Russian officials reported a technical malfunction as the cause of the crash and confirmed that one crew member had died. Searches were underway for the remaining crew members.
Meanwhile, Russian forces continued their pressure on Ukrainian forces, ramping up attacks ahead of a potential springtime advance. The muddy fields were drying out, allowing heavy equipment to move across the countryside and seize key positions along the 1,000-kilometer front line.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered his forces to build fortifications and bunkers behind the front line. However, construction work was moving slowly due to a shortage of troops and ammunition.
Retired Lt. Gen. Andrei Gurulev predicted that Russian forces might try to surround Kharkiv, one of Ukraine's largest cities.
Despite these developments, the war in Ukraine is now in its third year with no end in sight. The conflict has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and widespread destruction. Both sides have accused each other of human rights violations and atrocities.
