Near Sevastopol

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The plane crashed into the sea on fire.(Bild: OSINT)

According to the local governor, a Russian military aircraft has crashed into the sea off the port city of Sevastopol on the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, which is annexed by Russia. The cause is unclear, but the fighter pilot was able to save himself, according to the authorities.

The pilot was able to eject and was brought to safety by rescuers, explained the governor appointed by Russia, Mikhail Rasvoshaev, on Thursday.

Crash was filmed
Russian Telegram channels had previously reported that a Russian Su-35 fighter jet had crashed near Sevastopol. Videos of the incident are circulating on social media. The cause was initially unclear. According to unconfirmed reports, it could have been shot down by Russian air defenses - it would not be the first time.

Russia annexed Crimea, where its Black Sea Fleet has always been stationed, in 2014. Ukraine wants to regain control of the peninsula. Its armed forces have repeatedly attacked Russian targets in Crimea and the Russian fleet anchored there.