Ukrainian air force reports downing two Russian aircraft, losses for Moscow exceeding $100m
Over the last three days, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported downing six Russian fighters and bombers.
"Our air forces shot down two Russian planes this morning that were launching missiles at our troops' positions. One Su-34 bomber and one Su-35 fighter were brought down," said the Monday morning statement.
Anton Heraszczenko, an advisor to the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, confirmed the existence of a video allegedly showing one of the pilots face down in the sea. The commander of the Ukrainian Air Force confirmed this. Russian helicopters are reportedly scouring the sea for the plane's crew.
This signifies a loss of technologically advanced machines worth more than 100 million dollars for Moscow. Notably, this is another substantial loss for the Russian military.
Russian sources were initially silent about the losses. However, earlier Russian military observers reported the presence of Ukrainian air defence systems close to Avdiivka, the area where the Russians were purported to have lost their planes.
Russian Strike Aircraft Su-34
The Su-34 plane is a strike aircraft built upon the Su-27 fighter model. Distinguished by the expansive crew cabin area of the fuselage - with both pilots sitting side by side - and a noticeable "hump" when seen from the side.
The aircraft measures approximately 23 metres in length, has a wingspan of approximately 15 metres and in take-off configuration weighs up to 38,102 kilograms. The aircraft can carry up to around 8,000 kilograms of armament, attached to 12 underwing and under-hull points.
The Russian military air force had roughly 130-140 Su-34 units prior to the attack on Ukraine.
