Ukraine shot down yet another Russian A-50 aircraft on the evening of 23 February, Ukraine's Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk has confirmed.
He thanked the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) and all those who made that happen.
For the first time, Russia lost an A-50 long-range radar detection and control aircraft with the tail number RF-50601 "Red" in the skies over Ukraine in January this year. At that time, it was also reported that an Il-22M11 command and control aircraft was damaged.
The GUR noted that the downed A-50 is a new modernised Russian version of the aircraft.
"This is an airborne command post used by the aggressor state for long-range radar detection, control and guidance for strikes on Ukraine with missiles from strategic aviation. The downing of the A-50U is another serious blow to the potential and capabilities of terrorist Moscow," the Ukrainian intelligence stressed.
According to the GUR, a sharp drop in speed and altitude of the downed aircraft was recorded near the town of Yeysk.
The cost of such an aircraft, of which Russia has only a few left, is $350 million.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyy noted the work of the Ukrainian military.
"The A-50U is a remarkable work of the Air Force and the Main Intelligence Directorate. Destroying Russian aircraft and enemies is a great honour," he said in a post on social media.