Ukraine intercepts conversation confirming downing of Russian A-50U aircraft

This is reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate’s press service.

It is noted that the aircraft was shot down near the city of Primorsko-Akhtarsk on the Sea of Azov. The A-50U took off on February 23 at 3:50 p.m. from the Akhtubinsk airfield and was supposed to perform tasks near the settlements of Primorsko-Akhtarsk and Zernohrad.

At 6:45 p.m., the Main Intelligence Directorate's radio reconnaissance stations recorded the termination of the Shmel radar complex, which is equipped with the A-50U.

Intercepted by the intelligence officers, the conversations between the crew members of the Su-35 cover aircraft revealed the secret of the disappearance: they were discussing among themselves the fire damage of the modernized A-50U air defense system.

"One of the Russian pilots said that he had observed air defense, a flash and explosions," the intelligence noted.

In addition, after the downing of the A-50U, the Russians ordered the termination of missions for two Su-35 aircraft and three Su-34s that were flying missions near Millerovo. Some of them were planning to conduct air strikes near Avdiivka.

• On the evening of February 23, the Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed a Russian A-50U aircraft. Instead, Russia claims that the aircraft crashed, causing reeds to catch fire.