Ukraine blames Antonov staff for loss of AN-225

Ukraine's Security Service has charged two Antonov officials over the destruction of the AN-225 cargo aircraft in the early days of the Ukraine-Russia war.

The suit alleges the then chief executive officer and the head of aviation security were responsible for the destruction.

“According to the investigation, on the eve of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the officials did not allow the National Guard of Ukraine to enter Hostomel Airport, near Kyiv, to prepare for its defence,” the authorities said.

"Based on the evidence collected, the former ceo and the head of aviation security unit are charged under Articles 27.2 and 114-1.2 of the CCU (obstruction of lawful activities of the AFU and other military formations) and face up to 15 years in prison."

The sole AN-225 aircraft had the largest wingspan of any aircraft in service and was powered by six ZMKB Progress Lotarev D-18T turbofan engines. It was the largest cargo plane in operational service internationally.