Ukraine reports jump in number of downed Russian planes

Ukraine says it has shot down 10 Russian military jets in 10 days – a sharp increase over the preceding months. 

The claim comes despite shortages experienced by Ukrainian forces due to delays in supplies from Western allies.

Ukraine says a total of 342 Russian planes and 325 helicopters have been shot down since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. 

“Another one! In addition to the one in the morning!” Ukraine’s General Staff announced in a Facebook post on the afternoon of 27 February.

“Oops, we did it again!” the Ukrainian defence ministry quipped on X (formerly known as Twitter). “And now it’s 10 destroyed Russian planes in 10 days!”

Ukrainian Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk says the latest two downed Russian aircraft are Su-34 bombers – both shot down in the east of the country.

“Given such losses of fighter and special aircraft, the Russians should have a think and stop their aviation meat grinders at least for some time,” he said.