**Ukrainian Drone Destroys Russian Tu-22M3 Bomber, Claims Commander-in-Chief**
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian forces have claimed to have destroyed a landed Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bomber using a drone. The attack is said to have taken place “a few days ago,” according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who made the announcement in an interview with LB.UA.
The Tu-22M3, worth around $100 million, is a supersonic bomber developed by the Soviet Union and remains a key component of Russia’s Air Force. It has been used in strikes against Ukraine, and its destruction would be a significant blow to Russian military capabilities.
While the Ukrainian General Staff reported that their forces had destroyed 370 Russian warplanes as of April 9, the exact location and date of the strike are unclear. The Kyiv Independent was unable to verify the claim.
**Russian Response**
In a separate incident, a Tu-22M3 bomber crashed in the Siberian Irkutsk region on April 2 due to an alleged technical malfunction. The pilot was killed in the crash, while four other crew members were forced to eject.
It’s worth noting that Irkutsk Oblast lies almost 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) from the border with Ukraine, far beyond the range of any known Ukrainian long-range weaponry.
**Combat Data Analysis**
Combat data analyzed by CNN confirms a surge in Russian activity across the front line over the past two weeks. Russia has increased its forces in Ukraine “fivefold since the beginning of the aggression,” Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi said, putting the number of Russian troops currently deployed in the country at 623,000.
**Global Response**
The global community is continuing to respond to the conflict with various measures. The European Commission aims to halt imports from Russia and Belarus, totaling 3.6 million tonnes valued at $1.41 billion (1.28 billion euros) in 2023.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China has always advised its citizens to stay away from areas of armed conflict and avoid involvement in armed conflicts in any form.
The U.S. supplies are meant to offset the loss of coking coal from the mine near Pokrovsk, which has suspended operations as Russian forces close in on the Donetsk Oblast town.
**Casualties**
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 32 of the 55 attack and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight, according to reports. Eight decoy drones disappeared from radars without causing damage.
At least 15 explosions rocked Kharkiv late on April 8, with one person injured, according to preliminary information.
**Analysis**
The destruction of a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber using a drone is a significant development in the conflict and highlights Ukraine’s growing capabilities. The surge in Russian activity across the front line over the past two weeks also indicates a renewed push by Russia to gain ground in Ukraine.
As the global community continues to respond to the conflict with various measures, it remains clear that a peaceful resolution will require sustained efforts from all parties involved.