Ukrainian forces report downing of three Russian jets, a potential $100M loss for Moscow
"This morning in the east, during enemy bombing raids on our troops' positions, the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine simultaneously destroyed three Russian fighters: 2 SU-34s, and one SU-35. Thank you for your work!" wrote Mykola Oleshchuk, the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, on Twitter.
1:33 PM EST, February 17, 2024
Reuters noted that, "If the information turns out to be accurate, it would mean that Moscow has suffered a loss of technologically advanced machines worth over 100 million dollars."
Significant losses for Russians: two SU-34s and an SU-35 destroyed
Russian sources did not initially confirm the losses. However, Russian military observers noted earlier that Ukrainian air defense systems had been positioned near Avdiivka, in the area where the Russians are said to have lost the planes, according to the dpa agency.
The Ukrainian army confirmed late Friday night, Eastern Time, that forces had been withdrawn from Avdiivka in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, which is currently under Russian siege.
