Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer, Antonov, has launched a  fundraising campaign to build another AN-225 cargo plane after the only one aircraft of its kind, "Mriya," was destroyed in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The world's largest cargo plane was reportedly totaled during a battle for control of Hostomel Antonov Airport near Kyiv in late February — although, at that time, Antonov said it "cannot report on the technical condition of the aircraft" as the plane was being inspected by experts

"We propose to establish an International Fund for the Revival of the An-225 Mriya transport aircraft," Antonov said in the appeal posted on Facebook on March 25 noting that "Mriya" has been destroyed.

Ukraine's state-owned aerospace and defense company, Ukroboronprom group earlier put a US$3 billion tag to restore the cargo plane.

"Despite the difficult times, the ANTONOV team resolutely considers it necessary to prevent the complete irretrievable loss of the legendary aircraft as one of the symbols of modernity and to begin the revival of the AN-225 Mriya transport aviation flagship," the Ukraine aircraft manufacturer added.

"There is every reason for this — design, scientific and technical documentation, and most important — availability, great desire, and inspiration of the ANTONOV team. Unfortunately, at a difficult time for Ukraine and ANTONOV Company, there is not enough money to solve this problem," it added.

"Mriya" tagged as the "world's largest aircraft" is 276 feet long and could transport up to 551,000 pounds of cargo at a speed of up to 528 mph.

It had a maximum takeoff weight of 640 metric tons or about 1.4 million pounds.