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Ukraine Vows To Rebuild World's Biggest Plane And Will Force Russia To Pay For It

Ukraine Vows To Rebuild World's Biggest Plane And Will Force Russia To Pay For It

The world's largest plane was destroyed at the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Ukraine has vowed to rebuild the world's biggest plane that was destroyed by Putin's army early in the invasion, and will force Russia to pay for it.

The Antonov-225 Mriya - nicknamed 'the Dream' - was burnt down at the Hostomel airport near Kyiv in February, at the start of the invasion.

The massive cargo plane measures 275 feet (84 meters) long, boasts a 288-foot (88 meters) wingspan, weighs 314 tonnes and operates with six engines.

Alamy

State arms manufacturer Ukroboronprom had suggested it could cost more than $3 billion (£2.24 billion) to repair the plane, which they would try to get Russia to pay. 

Ukroboronprom boss Yuri Gusev, 42, said: "The Russians destroyed An-225 'Dream, it will be restored at the expense of the occupant.

"Russian invaders destroyed the flagman of Ukrainian aviation - the legendary An-225 'Dream'. 

"This happened at Antonov Airport in Gostomel near Kyiv, where the plane was. 

"Its restoration will cost more than $3 billion and will take a long time. Ukraine will put all its efforts to make these work paid by the state-aggressor.

"The invaders destroyed the plane but they can't destroy our common dream. She will surely be reborn."

The wreckage of the world's largest cargo plane Antonov An-225.
Getty Images

He claims that Ukraine's 'task is to make these costs covered by the Russian Federation, which caused deliberate damage to Ukrainian aviation and freight aviation sector'.

"Russia destroyed our 'Dream', but the dream of free from occupant Ukraine is impossible to destroy. 

"We will fight for our land and our home to a victorious end." 

The maker of the plane, the Antonov Company, said: "Currently, until the AN-225 has been inspected by experts, we cannot report on the technical condition of the aircraft."

Getty Images

Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba added: "Russia may have destroyed our 'Mriya, but they will never be able to destroy our dream of a strong, free and democratic European state. We shall prevail!"

The Antonov An-225 Mriya was designed and built in Ukraine in the 1980s by the Antonov Corporation and was originally designed by the Soviet Union when it controlled Ukraine as a Socialist republic. 

If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images

Topics: Ukraine, Russia