According to Ukraine’s state-owned Ukroboronprom organisation, Russia’s Antonov-225 freight aircraft, the world’s largest airliner, was destroyed by Russian attacks near Kyiv on the fourth day of Moscow’s invasion.
“Russian invaders destroyed the AN-225, Ukraine’s hallmark aircraft,” the group said in a statement, referring to the Antonov airbase in Gostomel, near Kyiv.
The aircraft was unique in the world, measuring 84 metres (276 feet) in length and capable of delivering up to 250 tonnes (551,000 pounds) of cargo at a peak speed of 850 kilometres per hour (528 mph).
The name “Mriya” was given to it, which means “dream” in Ukrainian.