The Antonov An-225, the largest aircraft in the world, was destroyed by the war in Ukraine. Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed this on Sunday afternoon. Only one example of the six-engined aircraft existed.

The An-225 was built by the then Soviet Union, partly to transport the Buran, the counterpart of the American space shuttle. The aircraft was in service with Antonov Airlines after the fall of the Iron Curtain and was stationed at Gostomel Airport near Kiev, as were air giants such as the An-124. The aircraft was used, among other things, to transport exceptionally large loads for the oil and gas industry, the aerospace sector and other clients.

A second An-225 was partly completed, but ultimately never flew.

"Russia may have destroyed our Mriya (nickname of the An-225, which means 'dream'), but they can never destroy our dream of a strong, free and democratic European state. We will be victorious!" said Kuleba.

Ukraine, so the government said, is determined to rebuild the An-225.

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* Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)