Ukrainian Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk says Ukrainian missileers engaged two Russian aircraft in the east, downing one Su-34 fighter-bomber aircraft, which raises reported recent Russian plane losses to 15.

While Russia continues aerial assaults in eastern Ukraine using guided air bombs dropped from tactical aviation aircraft, the Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Mykola Oleshchuk, announced that they used surface-to-air missiles to shoot down a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber aircraft.

As Russia activated the use of aircraft in eastern Ukraine, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported 13 downed Russian warplanes in February, including 10 Su-34 fighter-bombers, 2 Su-35 fighter jets, and one A-50 long-range radar detection and control aircraft. Oleshchuk reported the destruction of another Russian Su-34 near Mariupol, bringing the claimed tally of downed Russian aircraft to 15 in 31 days.

However, Ukraine’s skies remain under threat as their Air Force lacks sufficient weapons, and the commander urgently requests additional defensive systems:

“Just now, there was a combat use of anti-aircraft guided missiles against two enemy aircraft, Su-34 and Su-35. We expect confirmation of the desired result! It is becoming increasingly difficult for the occupiers to fly, and we need more systems, more weapons, to clear our sky!” Oleshchuk wrote at about 17:00 on Telegram.

Two hours later, the commander updated:

“The Air Command “East” confirms the downing of a Su-34 fighter-bomber. Unfortunately, only one,” Oleshchuk wrote, adding: “19:00 – the sky is clear! This is the result of the work of the Air Forces!”

Air Force: Ukraine engages two Russian warplanes, downing one Su-34 bomber