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Russia Ukraine Conflict 

Ukraine announced on Friday that it successfully downed a Russian Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber, marking the first instance of such an action since Russia's invasion of the country. The bomber was reportedly used to launch cruise missiles targeting cities within Ukraine.

According to a statement released by Ukraine's military on social media, the downing of the bomber was accomplished through the collaboration of anti-aircraft missile units of the air force and defense intelligence.

Russian officials confirmed the incident, stating that the Tu-22M3 aircraft crashed in the southern Stavropol region while returning to its base after a combat mission. The crash resulted in the death of at least one crew member, with the remaining crew members ejecting from the plane.

Vladimir Vladimirov, the governor of Stavropol, reported that one crew member had died in the crash, while the other two were transported to a local medical center for treatment. Efforts to locate the fourth pilot are ongoing.

The Stavropol region, located in Russia's north Caucasus, experienced the crash in its Krasnogvardeysky district, approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the eastern edge of Crimea, which Russia annexed. Crimea has been a focal point for various attacks throughout the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

The downing of the Russian long-range bomber represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. It underscores the continued intensity of hostilities and the involvement of advanced military assets on both sides.

As the situation evolves, further updates regarding the incident and its implications are expected to emerge.