Ukraine Downs Another Russian A-50 Spy Plane

The Ukrainian Air Force claims to have shot down a Russian A-50 military spy plane over the Sea of Azov, marking the second such incident this year. The A-50 is an airborne early warning and control jet used by Russia to monitor Ukraine's air defenses and is estimated to cost over $300 million. Ukrainian officials took credit for the destruction of the aircraft, while Russian reports initially described the incident as an "unidentified aircraft" crashing in southeastern Russia. This comes amid a series of reported downings of Russian aircraft by Ukraine, including a Su-34 fighter bomber and an Il-22M airborne command post.