This comes amidst a significant uptick in downed Russian aircraft in recent months, raising questions about the effectiveness of Russia's aerial strategy in the ongoing conflict.

The first Su-34 was reported downed earlier in the day by Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk, marking a significant blow to Russian airpower. Just a few hours later, Ukrainian forces claimed another Su-34 fell victim to their air defenses around 2 pm local time, further demonstrating their growing capability to counter Russian aerial threats.

These latest incidents add to a growing list of downed Russian aircraft in recent weeks. Notably, Ukraine successfully shot down two A-50 early warning and control aircraft, crucial assets for Russian air operations, in the past two months alone. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Russia has now lost around 340 aircraft since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022.

The precise impact of these recent losses on the overall effectiveness of the Russian Air Force remains to be seen. However, they undoubtedly represent a significant setback for Russia and highlight the growing strength of Ukrainian air defense capabilities. As the war in Ukraine continues, developments in the skies above the battlefield will likely remain a key factor in shaping the course of the conflict. (ILKHA)