In a retaliatory attack, Ukraine reportedly shot down the first Russian Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber, causing it to crash in Russia's Stavropol Krai overnight on April 19. According to a spokesperson for Ukraine's Air Force, Illia Yevlash, this was seen as a response to Russian strategic aviation attacking Ukrainian cities, resulting in the death of civilians.

The Russian Defense Ministry, however, claimed that the aircraft crashed due to a "technical malfunction" while returning to its base. The Kyiv Independent was unable to verify these claims. The Kyiv Independent also reported that two of the 22 missiles launched by Russian forces, including six Kh-22 anti-ship missiles, were successfully shot down by Ukraine for the first time since the beginning of the war.

Tragically, one of the missiles partially destroyed a five-story building in Dnipro, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuring 24 others. This incident highlights the desperate situation in which Ukraine finds itself, with limited access to Western weapons and ammunition.

It is worth noting that Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, revealed that the plane was strategically hit at a distance of 308 kilometers after a week of careful planning. Budanov expressed satisfaction with the operation, stating, "Fruitful and long work makes itself felt. (The plane was struck) with the same methods and tools that we used to destroy the A-50 in the air."

In addition to the bomber, Ukraine is believed to have previously destroyed two rare Russian A-50 military spy planes. These aerial victories demonstrate Ukraine's adaptability in the face of the ongoing conflict. Despite limited resources, Ukraine managed to use an older Soviet-made S-200 air defense system, which had been revitalized after the invasion began, to effectively shoot down the aircraft.

The S-200, also known as SA-5 Gammon, is a long-range surface-to-air missile system initially developed during the Cold War. Originally intended to strike American bombers and strategic aircraft, the system has since undergone several modernizations. Although the S-200 is a stationary system that requires time to deploy and move on rails, it still poses a significant threat.

Experts speculate that the S-200 missiles used by Ukraine may not be from their own stockpile, which was previously decommissioned due to its obsolescence. It is possible that the missiles were acquired from countries such as Poland or Bulgaria, where they are still in service. The exact number of revitalized S-200 systems remains unknown.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding its missile inventory, Ukraine's successful retaliation against Russian aggression showcases its determination to protect its people and sovereignty. As the conflict continues, Ukraine's ability to adapt and effectively utilize available resources becomes paramount in their fight for independence.