Ukraine's historic downing of Russia's Tu-22M3 aircraft has decreased Russian activity in Black and Azov Seas
Russian activity in the Black and Azov Seas has noticeably decreased after the downing of a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic aircraft, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson, Illya Yevlash, reported on April 23.
"The Russians have scaled back their presence in the waters of the Black and Azov Seas after the downing of the Tu-22M3 strategic aircraft," he said during a TV interview.
“Following our efforts to disrupt their command posts in temporarily occupied Crimea, several radar stations have reported a reduction in the deployment of tactical aviation near these waters."
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Despite this decrease, the enemy continues to employ aviation, targeting Ukrainian positions with guided aviation missiles.
"We remain vigilant and continue to utilize all available Air Force means to counter threats, while we await the support of our allies," Yevlash added.
The first downed Russian Tu-22M3 strategic aircraft
Ukraine achieved a significant milestone by downing on April 19 a Russian long-range bomber, the Tu-22M3, for the first time during Russia's full-scale invasion.
This aircraft is capable of launching difficult-to-intercept X-22 missiles.
The historic takedown resulted from a coordinated operation between Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) and the Air Force.
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The downed Tu-22M3 was conducting strikes on Ukrainian territory approximately 300 km away from Ukrainian-controlled areas.
It was targeted using the same weapons previously used to destroy a Russian Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, the A-50.
This operation involved the S-200 surface-to-air missile system, NV sources said.
The bomber managed to fly toward Russia's Stavropol Oblast before crashing.
Four pilots aboard the flight ejected during the descent, with two found alive, one confirmed deceased, and one still missing and presumed dead.
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