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russian Aircraft Do Not Dare to Fly Closer Than 150 km to Frontline Because of Threat to Be Shot Down by Ukrainian Air Defense

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 russian Su-34 aircraft / Open source illustrative photo
russian Su-34 aircraft / Open source illustrative photo

The loss of 15 combat aircraft in February of 2024 forced russia to reduce frequency of their use

russians continue to attack Ukrainian positions with guided bombs, but the number of air strikes has decreased. russian pilots do not dare to fly closer because the Ukrainian Air Force's surface-to-air missile systems are hunting russian fighters.

"Just yesterday, there was a combat use against enemy aircraft at a distance of more than 150 kilometers. After significant losses such as A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft as well as Su-34/Su-35 fighters, occupiers significantly reduced the number of air strikes using guided bombs. And there are still no AEW&CS aircraft in the Sea of Azov and other areas, which reduces enemy ability to conduct radar surveillance," the Commander of Ukrainian Air Force, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk reported on his Telegram channel.

Read more: ​U.S. Purchased russian Helicopters Target russians Near Avdiivka (Video)
Ukrainian Air Defense Shoots Down russian Aircraft At Distance of Over 150 km, Defense Express
The Commander of Ukrainian Air Force, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk / Photo credit: t.me/MykolaOleshchuk

Over the past month, the Defense Forces of Ukraine have eliminated many russian aircraft. Fifteen planes were shot down, including one A-50U, two Su-35s as well as 12 Su-34s. The overall statistics look like this:

- March 2: Su-34

- March 1: Su-34

- February 29: 3xSu-34

- February 27: 2xSu-34

- February 23: A-50U

- February 21: Su-34

- February 19: Su-34, Su-35

- February 18: Su-34

- February 17: 2xSu-34, Su-35

Ukrainian Air Defense Shoots Down russian Aircraft At Distance of Over 150 km, Defense Express
russian Su-34 aircraft / Open source illustrative photo

According to Mykola Oleshchuk, such results of Ukraine`s air defense demoralized russian occupiers.

"Certain 'discussions' have already begun among russian pilots about the military leadership's decision to give them 'one way ticket'. Such talks as well as sabotage, during the occupiers' missions will only increase when Ukrainian Air Force receives more tools from Western partners to protect our skies from enemy air attacks," Mykola Oleshchuk noted.

Ukrainian Air Defense Shoots Down russian Aircraft At Distance of Over 150 km, Defense Express
F-16 fighter aircraft / Photo credit: Koninklijke Luchtmacht

Earlier Defense Express reported that satellite data had revealed at least six russian Su-34 fighter jets had not returned.

Read more: ​For Over a Week, russia Refrains From Using A-50: Which Capabilities are No Longer Available to russian VKS