Russian invasion update: Occupiers destroy Ukraine’s legendary Mriya aircraft

Russian occupiers destroyed the flagship of Ukrainian aviation – the legendary Antonov An-225 Mriya.

As Ukroboronprom posted on Facebook, this happened at Antonov airfield in Hostomel near Kyiv, where the plane stayed. Its restoration will cost more than $3 billion and will take a long time.

Ukraine will make every effort to ensure that the aggressor state pays for these works.

Russia targeted Mriya as a symbol of Ukrainian aviation capabilities. Antonov An-225 Mriya is the aviation giant which set records in the transportation of maximum weight of commercial cargo and the longest and heaviest load, lifting capacity in the history of aviation. Unfortunately, these options are lost today, but they will definitely be restored.

"The occupiers destroyed the plane, but they will not be able to destroy our common dream. It will definitely be revived. It is estimated that it will take more than $3 billion and more than 5 years. Our task is to ensure that these costs are covered by the Russian Federation as it caused intentional damage to Ukrainian aviation and the air cargo sector.

Russia has destroyed our Mriya aircraft, but the dream of a Ukraine free from the occupier cannot be destroyed. We will fight for our land and our home to a victorious end. And after the victory is gained, we will definitely finish building our new Mriya which has been waiting for this in a safe place for many years. Everything will be Ukraine!" said General Director of Ukroboronprom Yuri Husev.

Mriya stands for “dream” in Ukrainian.

ol