Ukrainian Armed Forces confirm downing of Russian aircraft A-50 and Il-22
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi (facebook.com/CinCAFU)
Ukraine has officially confirmed the downing of Russian A-50 and Il-22 aircraft in the Sea of Azov on January 14, according to Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and the Ukrainian Air Force.
"The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed an enemy A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft and an enemy IL-22 air control center," Zaluzhnyi writes.
He also thanks the Air Force for the well-planned and executed operation in the Azov Sea region.
The official confirmation of the downing of the planes was also posted on the Ukrainian Air Force's Telegram.
"The special operation in the Azov region was successful. To be continued..." the message reads.
Destruction of Russian A-50 and Il-22 aircraft
RBC-Ukraine, citing sources in the Ukrainian Defense Forces, reported on January 14 that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had shot down a Russian A-50 over the Sea of Azov and shot down an IL-22. Later, details emerged that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had shot down a Russian A-50 radar detection aircraft over the Sea of Azov and damaged an IL-22 air command post.
Before that, Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk hinted at the destruction of Russian aircraft, calling the operation revenge against the Russian occupiers for the missile strike on Dnipro on January 14, 2023. Read more about these aircraft in our report.
