Russian pilots battle more than Ukraine: Cry for firewood highlights struggle against harsh weather

The Millerovo air base, situated a few dozen kilometers from Ukraine, serves as the headquarters of the 31st Russian fighter aviation regiment where Su-30 fighters have been in service for several years.

While this weaponry poses a real threat to Ukraine, reports from the Fighterbomber channel on Telegram (run by Russian military personnel Ilja Tumanow) suggest that the pilots of these Russian planes have to confront not only Ukrainian air defense measures, but also harsh weather conditions.

"The airmen are in need of help. They are cold. They require firewood to warm the buildings at the Millerovo airport," states a message on Telegram. Tumanow underscores the dire situation of the aviators and encourages his followers to assist the soldiers who are chilling in the quarters at the airport due to a shortage of firewood.

The Su-30 (NATO code Flanker-C) is a Russian multirole combat aircraft constructed based on the Su-27 fighter. Developed by Sukhoi, this aircraft was designed to give Russians air superiority during conflicts. The first iterations of the Su-30 emerged in the early 90s of the last century, and in their base version, they had a system that allowed them to target up to four aircraft simultaneously.

Since its production started in 1992, approximately 600 units of Flanker-Cs have come off Russian production lines. Powered by two Saturn Liulka AL-31F turbofan engines which generate 122 kN of thrust each, these machines can reach a speed of over 1,304 miles per hour at an altitude of 36,089 feet, and 807 miles per hour at sea level. The cruising speed of a Su-30 is 683 miles per hour, and it can operate at an altitude of up to 57,415 feet. Its range stands at 1,864 miles.

With a weight of roughly 39,022 lbs, the Su-30 can carry a payload weighing up to 17,637 lbs. Its primary weapon is a 30 mm GSz-30-1 aircraft cannon.