Spokesperson for Ukrainian Air Force revealed details of the downing 3 Russian Su-34
Spokesperson of the Air Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yurii Ihnat (photo: armyinform.com.ua)
The destruction of three Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers by Ukrainian military forces proved to be a brilliant operation by the Defense Forces. The pilots of the enemy aircraft, emboldened and attempting to approach closer to strike Ukrainian Armed Forces fighters, were thwarted, according to the Spokesperson of the Air Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yurii Ihnat.
The colonel noted that Ukrainian defenders managed to catch the Russian Su-34 pilots off guard, after which the operation unfolded swiftly and with precision.
"The Russians, feeling emboldened, approached closer, attempting to strike with guided air-to-surface bombs deeper into the defense of our forces," he said.
As Ihnat explained, 500-kg guided air-to-surface bombs can fly 20-25 km, but when there's a desire and an itch to strike, you... need to get closer.
"They took a risky gamble, and we hope the occupiers will take more of such risks," the spokesperson added.
The representative of the Ukrainian Armed Forces also pointed out that similar incidents of shooting down enemy aircraft had occurred near Zmiinyi Island and over the Russian Bryansk region before. According to him, the adversary once again showed audacity, as the Bryansk history, the Odessa stories, where both Su-24 and Su-35 were intercepted, apparently taught them nothing.
"At the beginning of the Russian aggression, Ukrainian Forces destroyed immediately three 'fat' targets when the enemy behaved arrogantly, flying practically over Ukrainian cities," he explained.
Ihnat also believes that the downing of three enemy aircraft is a top event, and after this, the Russians will think three times before approaching the Ukrainian borders.
Destruction of three Russian Su-34 aircraft
Earlier reports stated 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.
In addition, 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.
