The Ukrainian army announced on Saturday morning that it had shot down a Russian next-generation fighter jet during a targeted air operation, marking a new intensification of the aerial confrontations between Kyiv and Moscow.
Although Russia has not yet confirmed the loss, this announcement comes amidst an increase in Ukrainian deep raids on Russian air bases.
This Ukrainian success is part of the operation named “Spider Web,” a series of drone attacks launched in recent days against Russian strategic bomber fleets stationed far behind the front lines. Kyiv’s stated objective: to weaken Russian air superiority and disrupt its long-range strike capabilities.
Analysts note that this Ukrainian strategy aims to neutralize Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 type aircraft, often used to bomb critical Ukrainian infrastructure from the rear.
In apparent retaliation or a parallel escalation, the city of Kharkiv was targeted by a Russian night attack, causing significant material damage and several civilian injuries, according to local authorities. The strikes targeted residential and industrial areas, with no immediate claim from Moscow.
Although the Kremlin remains silent on the downed plane, military experts estimate that this loss could provoke a symbolic or tactical response in the coming days, as both sides vie for ingenuity in a war that has largely surpassed classic front lines.