A Russian Tu-22M3 bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons has crashed overnight, causing a huge explosion. The £228m aircraft, part of Vladimir Putin's nuclear force and used for air strikes in Ukraine, has crashed, causing a huge explosion.
Footage circulating on Russian social media shows the moment the plane exploded in the sky before crashing to the ground. Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev confirmed that all four crew members parachuted out, but one pilot died.
Russian media also published footage from the crash site, showing flames and smoke, while part of the area was left without electricity.
The Tu-22M3 bomber has a range of nearly 7,000 km and can carry Kh-15 nuclear or anti-radar missiles, as well as Kh-22 long-range sea-based missiles. The aircraft with a crew of four can reach speeds of over 2,300 km/h.
It is not the first time such a Russian bomber has been shot down during the war in Ukraine. Last year, another Tu-22M3 was shot down by a Ukrainian S-200 anti-aircraft system and crashed in the Stavropol region, about 250 miles from the border.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump said he believes Putin wants to end the war, but Kiev and its allies accuse the Kremlin of dragging out negotiations.
The United States is trying to broker a deal, but Russia has presented a list of conditions that are delaying the process.
Both sides have agreed to a pause in attacks in the Black Sea region and a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure, but each side has accused the other of violating the agreement. (A2 Televizion)
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