Russia recognized the death of IL-22 commander: the aircraft was shot down over the Sea of Azov. Photo

Major Viktor Klimov, who was on board the Russian IL-22 that was shot down over the Sea of Azov on January 14, was killed. The Russian Federation confirmed this information, saying that he "died heroically in the line of duty."

The network writes that the commander died of shrapnel wounds while the plane was still in the air. As a result, the co-pilot, who was also wounded, had to land the damaged IL-22.

Klimov was a senior test pilot in military unit 27237. His father Ivan Klimov was a navigator in the 1st Squadron in Tikhoretsk.

"We are burying our children... his father Vanya Klimov is from our graduation," Russian test pilot Alexander Garnayev said.

Klimov Jr. was last seen online on the day of his death, January 14, 2024.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!