Russian Tu‑22M3 bomber crashes in Siberia amid technical fault

A Russian strategic bomber, Tu-22M3, has crashed in Siberia. Videos published online show the final moments of the aircraft before the crash, with a fire breaking out at the crash site.

The crash occurred in the Irkutsk region of Siberia. Russian channels reported the incident on the Telegram app. Initial reports suggest a technical fault led to the bomber's crash.

The videos depict the already burning aircraft falling from the sky. The pilots appeared to lose control of the plane. Further videos on Telegram show the crash site, with the remains of the bomber being consumed by fire.

“Good news for Ukraine,” commented Julian Roepcke, a journalist from the German newspaper "Bild", on the X service.

Russians recalling units from Ukraine: "Difficult situation"

Russia uses Tu-22 strategic bombers for night missile attacks on Ukraine. These aircraft serve as carriers for Ch-22 Raduga missiles as well as Ch-47M2 Kinjal hypersonic missiles.

Among other things, this weaponry is used by Russia to attack Ukraine's critical infrastructure. According to initial reports, the bomber's crew managed to eject and survived the crash.