ISW expresses great concern in Russia over downing of 3 Su-34s near Krynky
In ISW's statement on the downing of 3 Russian Su-34s by the Ukrainian Armed Forces (photo: Getty Images)
The downing of three Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers by the Ukrainian Defense Forces has caused significant concern in the aggressor country. The loss of these aircraft has raised worries in Russia about the potential strengthening of Ukrainian air defense capabilities in the southern direction, report analysts at the Institute for the Study of War.
"In a recent report, it has been stated that the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) lost three Su-34 bombers in southern Ukraine between December 21 and 22," the statement reads.
The information regarding the downing of three aircraft by Ukrainian military forces in the southern direction on Friday has been confirmed by the Russian Air Force.
However, Russian correspondents claim that Ukrainian air defense systems shot down these Su-34s in the Kherson region near Krynky.
"Russian war correspondents have responded to the isolated incident with significant concern regarding the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Defense Forces in southern Ukraine," according to the report.
Additionally, analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have pointed out that prior to this, Russian invaders lost two Mi-8 helicopters, a Su-34 bomber, and a Su-35 fighter during an incident in the Bryansk region on May 13, 2023. At that time, the Russian reaction to the capabilities of the Ukrainian air defense was similar.
Downing of 3 Su-34 occupiers on the southern front
Recall that on December 22, Ukrainian defenders successfully destroyed three Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers in the southern part of the country.
Following this, the Spokesperson of the Air Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yurii Ihnat revealed that these were among the latest aircraft in the Russian army's arsenal. Using such planes, occupiers carry out airstrikes with aviation bombs and missiles.
Furthermore, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov noted that Ukrainian air defense had been tracking these Su-34s for a considerable period.
In an evening address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that the destruction of three Su-34s by the Ukrainian air defense is a reminder to Russian pilots that Ukraine will respond to every occupant-killer.
