Ukraine's military has announced that its forces have successfully destroyed a Tu-22M3 strategic bomber, which was utilized in attacks on Ukrainian cities. This development coincides with reports of Russian missile strikes in the Dnipropetrovsk region, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals.

On Friday, Ukraine announced that its air defense system successfully downed a Russian strategic Tu-22M3 bomber, marking the first such incident since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion over two years ago.

Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk stated via the Telegram messaging app that the anti-aircraft missile units, in collaboration with the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, destroyed the long-range strategic bomber, which was equipped with Kh-22 cruise missiles and utilized by Russian forces to target civilian areas in Ukraine.

According to Russian Interfax news agency, the Russian Defense Ministry reported the crash of the Tu-22M3 bomber due to an apparent technical malfunction on Friday morning. The crash occurred in Russia's southern Stavropol region, with four pilots ejecting from the aircraft. One pilot was confirmed dead by the regional governor, while another remained missing.

The bomber was said to be heading back to base following a combat mission.

The Stavropol region lies hundreds of kilometers away from Ukrainian-controlled territory.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's Interior Ministry has reported that extensive Russian missile strikes on the central Dnipropetrovsk region overnight resulted in the deaths of at least eight people and injuries to 21 others.

According to the ministry, six individuals, including two children aged 6 and 8, lost their lives in the Synelnykivskyi area southeast of the regional capital, Dnipro. Additionally, two individuals perished, and 16 others sustained injuries in Dnipro itself.

The attacks also caused damage to residential buildings and railway infrastructure.

State-run Ukrainian railways company Ukrzaliznytsia reported that some of its workers had been injured, prompting the closure of its Dnipro station and the rerouting of trains scheduled to pass through the city.

Following the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his call for international assistance in bolstering his country's air defense capabilities.

"Russia must be held accountable for its acts of terror, and every missile, every Shahed [drone] must be intercepted," Zelenskyy emphasized. "The international community can ensure this, and our partners possess the necessary capabilities."