Ukrainian Air Force takes out a Russian A-50 reconnaissance plane over the Azov Sea

The aircraft was on duty near Strilkove, Kherson Oblast under the command of the IL-22M11 when it was downed around 9:00 p.m. EET on Jan. 14, prompting an emergency landing in Anapa. The crew urgently requested evacuation and sought assistance from emergency services.

It was later revealed that Ukrainian Air Forces near Kyrylivka, Zaporizhzhya Oblast downed the A-50 plane. The plane was targeted shortly after assuming duty in the Kyrylivka region between 9:10 and 9:15 p.m. on Jan. 14, sources told RBC-Ukraine.

The A-50 disappeared from radar screens and ceased responding to tactical aviation requests. A pilot aboard a Su-30 PKS RF plane later reported seeing an unidentified aircraft ablaze and descending from the sky.