KYIV: Amid increased pressure on its eastern front, Ukraine announced on Thursday that it had destroyed a record number of Russian jets in February, marking a significant blow to Russian forces in the ongoing conflict.
The Ukrainian defense ministry declared that its air defense units had achieved unprecedented success in downing Russian jets, with the highest number of aircraft destroyed since October 2022. While the claims could not be independently verified, Russian authorities remained silent on the matter, refusing to comment on Ukraine’s claims.
According to the Ukrainian defense ministry, the tally of destroyed aircraft in February included 10 SU-34 and two Su-35 fighter jets, along with an A-50 aircraft. Ground forces commander Oleksandr Pavliuk attributed the recent downing of three Su-34s to their direct engagement in launching guided missiles at Ukrainian infantry positions in the eastern region.
Downing of Record Number of Russian Jets
This announcement follows Ukraine’s earlier claim of shooting down an A-50 plane in January, although the veracity of these assertions remains uncertain. Russian military bloggers, often privy to insider information within the armed forces, have previously reported on the destruction of the A-50 aircraft, albeit attributing it to friendly fire.
Meanwhile, the British defense ministry corroborated the reports, acknowledging the downing of two A-50 aircraft and emphasizing that these incidents have compelled Russian decision-makers to reconsider their operational strategies.
As the conflict enters its third year, Ukraine remains steadfast in its determination to neutralize Russian air superiority, emphasizing its commitment to reclaiming control of the skies. In anticipation of continued military support from Western allies, Ukraine is poised to receive the delivery of F-16 fighter jets, bolstering its aerial capabilities in the ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.
