Russian Invasion: World’s Largest Plane Destroyed In Ukraine

The largest plane in the world – Ukraine’s Antonov-225 cargo plane – was destroyed by Russian strikes outside Kyiv on the fourth day of Russia’s invasion.

Russia Destroy World’s Largest Plane In Ukraine

Ukraine’s state-owned Ukroboronprom group, which disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said:

“Russian invaders destroyed the flagship of the Ukrainian aviation, the AN-225” at the Antonov airport in Gostomel near Kyiv.

The aircraft was unique to the world, at 84 meters long (276 feet) it could transport up to 250 tonnes (551,000 pounds) of cargo at a speed of up to 850 kilometres per hour (528 mph).

“Russia may have destroyed our ‘Mriya’. But they will never be able to destroy our dream of a strong, free and democratic European state. We shall prevail!”, he added.

Gostomel airport has seen violent clashes since the start of Russia’s invasion, launched by President Vladimir Putin Thursday.

Weapons manufacturer Ukroboronprom estimated that restoring the “Mriya” would cost over $3 billion (2.7 billion euros) and could take over five years.

Initially built as part of the Soviet aeronautical program, the An-225 made its first flight in 1988.

It has been operated by Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines for cargo flights and was in high demand during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. (AFP)

Kanyi Daily News had reported how Russian President, Vladimir Putin ordered a ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine, killing hundreds of people and wounding thousands.

Meanwhile, Belarus is Preparing To Join Russian Invasion Of Ukraine, To Host Nuclear Weapons