The bomber was launching Kh-22 missiles at Ukraine at night. It was hit at a distance of about 300 km from Ukraine by the same "means" that had previously shot down the A-50 radar detection aircraft.
The Tu-22M3 tried to fly to Stavropol but crashed. Russian telegram channels report that one crew member was killed. Two were hospitalized.
Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yevlash called it "a vendetta for attacking peaceful cities." He also clarified that the air defense forces had shot down two Kh-22 missiles for the first time, which were fired by this bomber.