Russia invades Ukraine

[Clive]

War is breaking out in Ukraine today.

Ukraine airspace is closed.

Flights still operating between Moscow and London despite “sanctions”.

[Allen McL]

Flights still operating between Moscow and London despite “sanctions”.

Yes, obviously the oligarchs need time to suitcase up their cash. I presume it's just a matter of time before the UK government steps out from behind its rhetoric and actually does something about that.

[awwdabaaby]

Although this is aviation related it does relate to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Unconfirmed reports coming out that the Antonov AN-225 Myria has been damaged during fighting.

If true and the aircraft is written off, that's the end as there is another one but its been built since 1994 and only at 60% completion and likely will remain that way.

[GKirk]

Very dark day in the history of this planet.

[awwdabaaby]

Update, Russians now bombing the Homstel airport in Kiev, where the AN225 is currently located, very likely we have seen the last of this beautiful creature

[Allen McL]

Yes, huge plumes of smoke seen rising from the Hostomel Airport and Russian gunships alleged to have attacked the Antonov factory itself. Unless they snuck the 225 out undetected then it is indeed alleged to have been hangared there since 8th February.

Here's a photo I took at PIK in 2020.

PSX_20210918_111804 by Allen McL, on Flickr

[Clive]

Update: all scheduled Russian airlines now banned from UK airspace.

[Allen McL]

Antonov 225 pilot declares aircraft to be safe. Rumoured to have been flown to Poland yesterday.

[GeorgeNTravels]

Update, Russians now bombing the Homstel airport in Kiev, where the AN225 is currently located, very likely we have seen the last of this beautiful creature

Ukraine Minister of Foreign Affairs confirms it has been destroyed.

[Allen McL]

Update, Russians now bombing the Homstel airport in Kiev, where the AN225 is currently located, very likely we have seen the last of this beautiful creature

Ukraine Minister of Foreign Affairs confirms it has been destroyed.

Yes, grainy satellite pictures are appearing online, showing the hangar ablaze and what appears to be the aircraft tail sticking out one end.