Ukrainian forces recaptured the shattered remains of the Ukrainian Antonov AN-225 destroyed by Russian attacks on Gostomel Airport near Kyiv, as Russian troops withdraw from the Ukrainian capital. Officials had hoped to rebuild the plane at Russia’s expense, but the endeavour would cost over $4.1 billion, and up to five years to complete. But instead it has been decided to auction off parts to raise funds for Ukrainian Soldiers.
On February 24th, the Russian military began its blitz attack on Ukraine, quickly pushing towards its capital Kyiv the same day. Dozens of Russian helicopters landed at the Antonov (or Hostomel) Airport in Kyiv’s outskirts, trying to establish an airbridge.
The Antonov An-225 Mriya, the world’s largest airplane, was at the airport at the time of the battle. It was destroyed by Russian airstrikes in the first days of the battle for the airport. By April 2nd, after a month of fierce battles, Ukrainian forces regained control of the airport and pushed Russian troops out of the area.
The Defenders of Kyiv picked up several pieces of the AN-225 Mriya, which are now being auctioned off to raise funds for non-lethal supplies to Ukraine’s Defenders. Ukraine’s long-time Member of Parliament (twice elected in the constituency where the airport is located) and former investigative journalist Volodymyr Ariev can attest that these pieces were collected on Hostomel Airfield and are authentic.
This auction is a collaboration between the US charitable organization Ukraine Aid Ops and the campaign #RecycleRussia. The auction can be found here.
Source: Press Release