Ukraine commander claims downing Russian jet

The Eastern Air Command confirms the downing of an Su-34 fighter-bomber

By Reuters
March 03, 2024
A Su-35 multirole fighter (right) flies alongside a Tupolev Tu-22M3 Backfire strategic bomber during joint exercises of the armed forces of Russia and Belarus. — AFP/File
A Su-35 multirole fighter (right) flies alongside a Tupolev Tu-22M3 Backfire strategic bomber during joint exercises of the armed forces of Russia and Belarus. — AFP/File

KYIV: Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk said Ukraine had downed a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber on Saturday.

“The Eastern Air Command confirms the downing of an Su-34 fighter-bomber. Unfortunately, only one,” Oleshchuk said in a post on his Telegram channel, where he earlier reported anti-aircraft missiles were deployed against an Su-34 and an Su-35. Reuters could not independently verify the report.