The commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Mykola Oleshchuk, has announced the shooting down of three Russian SU-34 bombers. This happened on Friday afternoon in the southern part of Ukraine, the Kherson region, he said via Telegram. The commander commented on the shooting down of the Russian planes with the cynical statement “Eternal flight, ‘brothers’”. The Nexta media project estimated the value of the three fighter jets at approximately 32.6 million euros.
Russian military observers confirmed that at least one shot had been shot.
Images also circulated of a possible rescue operation of pilots who had parachuted. Their authenticity could not be independently verified. There was a similar case in May, when several helicopters and planes were shot down in a short time over Russian territory near the Ukrainian border.
Support also from Germany
Shortly before the reported shooting, the German Bundeswehr Air Force wrote in the short message service X about the delivery of a second Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. In addition, new Ukrainian soldiers were being trained on the systems, it was said.
Heavy fighting in the Kherson region
In the southern sector in the Kherson region, Ukrainian units have settled on the southern bank of the Dnipro River with heavy losses. They are bombed daily by the Russian air force, among others, with glide bombs dropped from a distance of more than 60 kilometers. Modern American Patriot anti-aircraft systems can combat air targets up to a distance of 160 kilometers. Since February 24, 2022, Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia’s war of aggression with Western military aid.
The Netherlands promises Ukraine 18 fighter jets
In the meantime, the Netherlands is supplying 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced this on Friday. The Netherlands had already agreed to make the machines available for training Ukrainian pilots in Romania. It has now been officially decided to also supply the F-16 to Ukraine.
“With this decision, the Netherlands confirms that it will continue to make every effort to provide Ukraine with the support it needs in the fight against continued Russian aggression,” Prime Minister Mark Rutte wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Ukrainian pilots are currently being trained in Romania to operate the machines. Only then can the machines be delivered. It is unclear when they might actually be used in war. The training should last several months. The Netherlands, Denmark and Norway had promised Ukraine F-16 aircraft.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
