Ukraine confirms destruction of two Russian aircraft

Ukraine officially confirmed the destruction of Russian A-50 and Il-22 aircraft in the Sea of Azov on January 14.

“Warriors of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed the enemy A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft and the enemy Il-22 air control centre,” RBC-Ukraine quotes Valery Zaluzhny, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as saying.

He also thanked the Air Force for the perfectly planned and executed operation in the Azov region.

Official confirmation of the downing of the planes also appeared on the Telegram of the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

“The special operation in the Azov region was successful. To be continued...”, the message says.

Ukrainian media, citing sources in the Defence Forces, reported on January 14 that the Ukrainian Armed Forces shot down a Russian A-50 aircraft over the Sea of Azov and knocked out an IL-22.

Later, the details of the incident became clear: the Ukrainian Armed Forces shot down a Russian A-50 radar detection aircraft over the Sea of Azov and also damaged the Il-22 air command post.

Before this, Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk hinted at the destruction of Russian aircraft, calling this operation revenge on the Russians for the missile attack on the Dnieper on January 14, 2023.