A long-range Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed in Russia’s Stavropol region after performing a combat mission. It was stated that the plane fell onto an empty field in Krasnogvardeysky and that three pilots left the plane using ejection seats. Two of them were found, but the other remains missing.

The Ministry of Defense stated that the accident occurred due to a “technical malfunction,” but the Ukrainian press claims that the plane was shot down by the Ukrainian forces in an operation.