Antonov AN-225 destroyed by Russia in Ukraine - in pictures

  • The wreckage of an Antonov AN-225, the world's biggest aircraft, sits under a steel shelter at Gostomel airfield near Kyiv in April 2022. EPA
    The wreckage of an Antonov AN-225, the world's biggest aircraft, sits under a steel shelter at Gostomel airfield near Kyiv in April 2022. EPA
  • The cargo plane, named Mriya (which means Dream in Ukrainian), was destroyed during a heavy battle with Russian troops at the airfield earlier this year. Reuters
    The cargo plane, named Mriya (which means Dream in Ukrainian), was destroyed during a heavy battle with Russian troops at the airfield earlier this year. Reuters
  • The Soviet-era plane was a symbol of Ukraine's identity and was cherished by aviation enthusiasts. AP
    The Soviet-era plane was a symbol of Ukraine's identity and was cherished by aviation enthusiasts. AP
  • Poland's Minister of Interior and Administration Mariusz Kaminski stands near the heavily damaged plane on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP
    Poland's Minister of Interior and Administration Mariusz Kaminski stands near the heavily damaged plane on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP
  • The Ukrainian plane had six engines, 32 wheels and wingspan that matched the length of a football pitch. AP
    The Ukrainian plane had six engines, 32 wheels and wingspan that matched the length of a football pitch. AP
  • A Ukrainian man searches for unexploded explosives near the damaged plane. AP
    A Ukrainian man searches for unexploded explosives near the damaged plane. AP
  • The aircraft's role in the aviation industry took on greater significance amid the coronavirus pandemic, as it delivered tonne after tonne of vital aid to countries worldwide. AP
    The aircraft's role in the aviation industry took on greater significance amid the coronavirus pandemic, as it delivered tonne after tonne of vital aid to countries worldwide. AP
  • The Mriya entered commercial service in 2001 and was originally developed to transport the Energiya carrier-rocket and Buran space shuttle. AP
    The Mriya entered commercial service in 2001 and was originally developed to transport the Energiya carrier-rocket and Buran space shuttle. AP
  • The aircraft could carry a maximum payload of 250,000 kilograms, and had a wingspan of 88 metres. Its size meant it could fit a helicopter or haulage lorry inside. AFP
    The aircraft could carry a maximum payload of 250,000 kilograms, and had a wingspan of 88 metres. Its size meant it could fit a helicopter or haulage lorry inside. AFP
  • Ukrainian soldiers stand in front of the destroyed plane. Reuters
    Ukrainian soldiers stand in front of the destroyed plane. Reuters
  • The aircraft was more than seven metres longer than a Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental and 11 metres longer than the Airbus A380-800, the largest passenger plane. AFP
    The aircraft was more than seven metres longer than a Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental and 11 metres longer than the Airbus A380-800, the largest passenger plane. AFP
  • It was the only Antonov An-225 in the world. AP
    It was the only Antonov An-225 in the world. AP
  • A second version was in the making and reached about 70 per cent completion in the mid-2000s before progress was halted because of the cost involved. AP
    A second version was in the making and reached about 70 per cent completion in the mid-2000s before progress was halted because of the cost involved. AP
  • Since its first flight in 1988, it claimed 242 world records, according to Antonov Airlines. AP
    Since its first flight in 1988, it claimed 242 world records, according to Antonov Airlines. AP
  • The Mriya touched down at Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport in May 2016 after visiting Perth in Australia to deliver a 117-tonne generator. AFP
    The Mriya touched down at Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport in May 2016 after visiting Perth in Australia to deliver a 117-tonne generator. AFP
  • The Mriya was so large that the length of its cargo hold was longer than the Wright brothers’ first flight, from take-off to landing. Reuters
    The Mriya was so large that the length of its cargo hold was longer than the Wright brothers’ first flight, from take-off to landing. Reuters
  • It cost around $30,000 an hour to hire the plane. Reuters
    It cost around $30,000 an hour to hire the plane. Reuters