US officials say 2 Russian transport planes shot down over Ukraine

In this handout photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, a Russian Il-76 air tanker, top, is refueling a Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber of the Russian Aerospace Forces during an aerial training in Russian Far East. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)
In this handout photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, a Russian Il-76 air tanker, top, is refueling a Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber of the Russian Aerospace Forces during an aerial training in Russian Far East. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

A second Russian Ilyushin Il-76 military transport plane was shot down near Bila Tserkva, 50 miles (85 kilometers) south of Kyiv, according to two American officials with direct knowledge of conditions on the ground in Ukraine.

On Friday, Ukraine’s military said it had shot down a Russian military transport plane with paratroopers on board.

According to a statement from the military’s General Staff, the first Il-76 heavy transport plane was shot down near Vasylkiv, a city 25 miles south of Kyiv. The Russian military has not commented on either incident so far, and the reports could not be immediately verified.

Is The Times of Israel important to you?

If so, we have a year-end request. 

Every day during the past two years of war and rising global antisemitism, our journalists kept you abreast of the most important developments that merit your attention. Millions of people rely on ToI for fact-based coverage of Israel and the Jewish world. 

We care about Israel - and we know you do too. So as 2025 draws to a close, we have an ask: show your appreciation for our work by joining The Times of Israel Community, an exclusive group for readers like you who appreciate and financially support our work. 

Yes, I'll give Yes, I'll give Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.