Russian own‑goal: Armed forces reportedly shoot down their Su‑25 fighter jet over occupied Ukraine
"Ukrainian Truth" reported that the Russian armed forces shot down the Su-25 fighter on December 17. The Ukrainian Air Force commander, Mykola Oleshchuk, announced on Telegram that the plane was targeted by Russian anti-aircraft forces. The commander openly expressed his satisfaction with the incident and thanked Moscow, representing the entire Ukrainian nation.
3:58 PM EST, December 18, 2023
"I can confidently affirm that the Russian Su-25 fighter did not fall victim to Ukrainian anti-aircraft defense! The well-executed and coordinated actions of the Russian anti-aircraft forces led to the outcome, and for this, the Ukrainian nation is deeply appreciative. With one Su-25 less, the invaders' forces have been slightly hindered. More to come..." Oleshchuk wrote.
The Defence Blog confirmed the loss of the Su-25 through Ilya Tumanov's social media channel, a noted Russian propagandist. Details about the exact location of the air crash site were not revealed. According to Defence Blog, Kremlin-backed media outlets imply that the downed Su-25 fighter jet was participating in military operations, leading to the pilot's death.
In related news, footage surfaced on social media a few days earlier showing a Russian Grad missile launcher almost shooting down another Russian Su-25. Forbes reported that the combat aircraft was flying at a low altitude towards the frontline.
The Su-25 is a twin-engine jet attack aircraft developed in the late 20th century, designed specifically for direct battlefield support. Introduced towards the end of the Cold War, it has, to varying degrees of success, been in service with the Russian forces until today.
