Russia destroys world's largest plane, Antonov An-225 Mriya, in Ukraine

The largest plane in the world, Antonov An-225 Mriya, was completely destroyed by Russian strikes in Kyiv on the fourth day of Moscow's invasion. The aircraft, which was unique to the world, could transport up to 250 tonnes (551,000 pounds) of cargo at a speed of up to 850 kilometres per hour (528 mph).

World’s largest plane, Ukraine's Antonov-225 cargo plane, was bombed by Russian strikes in Kyiv.

The 84-metres (276-feet) long aircraft could transport up to 250 tonnes (551,000 pounds) of cargo at a speed of up to 850 kilometres per hour (528 mph). Credit: Reuters Photo

The aircraft was named

Gostomel airport has seen violent clashes since the start of Russia's invasion, launched by President Vladimir Putin. The Russian army has said it is trying to seize strategic infrastructure. Credit: Reuters Photo

Weapons manufacturer Ukroboronprom estimated that restoring the

Initially built as part of the Soviet aeronautical program, the An-225 made its first flight in 1988. Credit: Reuters Photo

After years of not flying after the fall of the Soviet Union, the only existing copy made a test flight in 2001 in Gostomel, about 20 kilometres from Kyiv. Credit: Reuters Photo

It has been operated by Ukraine's Antonov Airlines for cargo flights and was in high demand during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Credit: Reuters Photo

Charred remains of Antonov An-225 'Mriya' cargo plane, the world's biggest aircraft, is seen at an airfield in the settlement of Hostomel, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Credit: Reuters Photo

Wreckage from the Antonov An-225 Mriya cargo plane is seen at an airfield in the settlement of Hostomel, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Credit: Reuters Photo

A compound of the Antonov airfield damaged by Russian shelling. Credit: Reuters Photo