Kiev announced that Russian forces shot down one of its Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jets over the Crimean Peninsula by mistake.
Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletinchuk told Ukrainian TV that the high state of “combat readiness” was the reason for the incident that occurred on Thursday on the occupied peninsula.
The Moscow-appointed leader in Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozaev, said that a Russian warplane “crashed” off the coast of Crimea without mentioning the reason, and that the pilot got out safely and was recovered by rescue services.
Russian Telegram channels published alleged footage of the plane burning as it fell, with the pilot's parachute ejected.
The Crimean Wind Telegram channel claimed that the plane was mistakenly shot down by Russian forces after taking off from Belbek Military Airport.
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But Pletinchuk told Ukrainian television on Friday: “We confirm that this plane belongs to the Russian Federation and that its forces destroyed it.
“They were alert, combat-ready. The human factor was the factor, and one of the operators was keen to get a medal and didn't bother to find out which plane it belonged to,” he added. Statements by the Ukrainian outlet Pravda.
Newsweek It has contacted the Russian Defense Ministry about Kiev's allegations.
Over the past two months, the Russian Air Force has suffered heavy aircraft losses including more than a dozen warplanes such as Su-34 fighter-bombers, Su-35 fighter jets, and a rare A-50 military spy plane. .
Meanwhile, Ukraine expects to strengthen its air capabilities, announcing that the first F-16 fighter jets supplied by its allies will enter service within a few months.
After the United States agreed to use American-made aircraft, a coalition of countries pledged to provide fourth-generation aircraft, whose technology is a step above the Soviet-era MiG and Sukhoi aircraft that Kiev now relies on.
Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedondre announced on Friday a military aid package containing $107 million to maintain and support aircraft.
Denmark said Ukraine could receive its F-16 fighter jets “this summer.” Telegraph It is estimated that Kiev may receive up to 60 of the aircraft.
When asked about Ukraine acquiring the planes from allies, Russian President Vladimir Putin said this week that they would be a “legitimate target” for Russian pilots even at “airports of third countries.”
“We will destroy their planes the same way we destroy their tanks” and other equipment, he said at the 344th Army Aviation Center in Torzhuk, 160 miles northwest of Moscow, though he dismissed speculation that Russia would attack NATO members as “nonsense.”
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