Ukraine downs two Russian aircraft, China unveils a new long-range missile - Wednesday brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
Russia lost two aircraft, a Su-30 and a Su-34, in Ukraine. Meanwhile, China has publicly revealed its modern PL-17 air-to-air missile for the first time.
Read more about what happened on Wednesday, January 28.
Russian air force hit: Two jets taken out in Ukraine
"Today, the Russians lost two aircraft - a Su-30 and a Su-34," says Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.
It was reported on social media that the Su-34 was destroyed along with its crew.
China unveils new air-to-air missile: Why experts call it extremely dangerous
Western analysts consider the missile extremely dangerous. It was previously referred to unofficially as the PL-XX or PL-20. It is now officially known as the PL-17, and after entering service, it received the Western designation CH-AA-12 Auger.
From the outset, the PL-17 has been viewed as an ultra-long-range missile, with primary targets including long-range radar aircraft, airborne command posts, and refueling tankers.
Current estimates suggest a launch range of around 400 kilometers, with a maximum speed exceeding 4,900 km/h.
Rubio: Ukraine and Russia to hold bilateral talks without US
US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will not take part in the next round of talks on ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting will be held exclusively between Ukraine and Russia.
