Ukraine claims to have downed a fourth Russian fighter jet in a matter of days in a big blow to Vladimir Putin’s war effort.
Kyiv has been shelling the Russian-held mining city of Horlivka, destroying the main shopping centre as part of its fightback against Moscow. And, in its latest attack, Ukraine is said to have down a £40 million Su-34 as it travelled towards Mariupol.
Ukrainian air force Lt-Gen Mykola Oleschuk, said: “It has been confirmed that our anti-aircraft missile system hit the Su-34 fighter-bomber in the direction of Mariupol.
“He did not return to the airport.”
Ukraine is also said to be reviewing evidence that suggests it downed an Su-30 fighter towards Odesa, over the Black Sea, reports MailOnline. It will be a relief for Ukraine as its fightback against Russia has slowed in recent weeks as western supplies decrease.
Air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat claimed Russia is having to scale back its combing strikes due to losing the Su-34s. On December 22, Ukraine revealed the downing of three Su-34s, believed to have been hit by Patriot missile strikes.
Expert Alexey Zakharov says the losses are a “cruel reality” of war. Ukraine launched a fierce attack on Horlivka, hitting a “warehouse” in Galaktika – the main shopping centre – that is thought to be used by Russia’s military.
One woman was injured and six wounded in the rocket attacks on the Donetsk city. Videos on social media show smoke billowing out and cinders raining down in Horlivka.
Russia claimed to have downed three Su-27 fighter aircraft and one Su-24 tactical bomber – all Ukrainian – but there was no confirmation of the claim.
Separate images have also emerged showing damage caused by Ukranian HIMARS strikes on a train in Ilovaisk.
