Russian Tu-22M3 missile hits Ukraine's Mykolaiv, plunging city into darkness and fire
Photo: Russian forces attacked Mykolaiv, causing a fire in the city (illustrative photo facebook.com/DSNSKHARKIV)
Russian forces attacked Mykolaiv in the evening of August 2. Explosions were heard in the city. Part of the region lost power, reports Vitalii Kim, head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, and Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych.
Earlier this evening, the Ukrainian Air Forces reported detecting at least one Russian supersonic strategic bomber Tu-22M3 in the Black Sea.
Minutes later, residents of Mykolaiv heard an explosion. Senkevych said he is verifying information regarding the enemy attack.
"Russian forces attacked Mykolaiv. All relevant services are already working. We are currently clarifying details. More information will follow," he explained.
The head of the Regional Military Administration said a fire broke out in the city after the Russian attack.
"All services are working," he added.
Power situation
Meanwhile, Kim reported that power outages occurred in the Mykolaiv region after the enemy strike. He said authorities are investigating the cause of the electricity disruptions.
Earlier reports noted that Kherson and Mykolaiv regions lost power in the evening.
As of 10:51 PM Kyiv time, Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of the Kherson Regional State Administration, urged residents to use electricity sparingly until the situation stabilizes.
"Energy workers have started reconnecting subscribers to the grid in Kherson," he added.
About the Tu-22M3 aircraft
The Tu-22M3 is a modernized Soviet long-range bomber. It was designed to increase combat radius and improve strike capabilities. It first flew in 1982 and remains one of the main aircraft in strategic aviation.
Thanks to its technical specifications, this plane can deliver precise strikes at long distances.
It can be equipped with Kh-22, Kh-15, and Kh-32 missiles, as well as KAB-500 guided bombs. This allows it to be used for both conventional and potential nuclear attacks.
This is the type of aircraft detected today over the Black Sea.
