The first Russian Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber was reportedly shot down by Ukraine and crashed over Russia's Stavropol Krai overnight on April 19. The aircraft was carrying out a combat mission when a Soviet-era S-200 anti-aircraft system shot it down, an intelligence source told the Kyiv Independent. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the aircraft crashed due to a "technical malfunction" while returning to its base.
Ukrainian forces have managed to push the invading forces back south of the Bakhmut-Kostiantynivka road, but it is still in the combat zone, and cannot be used as a supply line. The defenders can still be supplied via the local road through Chasiv Yar, but civilians are being restricted from entering the town due to the fighting, and the residents remaining there have been urged to evacuate. The Russians have reinforced their positions northwest of Bakhmut, and have taken control of the section of the M03 road to Sloviansk.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov confirmed he had invited Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk, former MP and former Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada Andriy Shevchenko, and volunteer and journalist Vitaliy Deineha to deputy ministry positions.