Fighter Jet Downed, Offensive Gains, and F-16 Success

Ukrainian Troops Down Russian Fighter Jet, Claim F-16s Used to Destroy Missiles

Ukrainian forces achieved a significant victory in the ongoing conflict, downing a Russian Su-25 fighter jet over Kramatorsk, Donetsk. The incident, captured on video, shows the Soviet-designed aircraft, nicknamed "Frogfoot" by NATO, bursting into flames mid-air before crashing into the ground. This success comes amidst claims by Kyiv that Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets were instrumental in destroying Russian missiles during a massive air attack earlier this week.

During the attack, Russia targeted 15 of Ukraine's 24 oblasts, launching over 200 missiles and drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lauded the performance of the F-16s, donated by Denmark, stating they delivered "a very good result." However, he urged Western countries to provide more of these advanced aircraft to bolster Ukraine's defenses.

Adding to the positive developments, a top Ukrainian military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced that Ukrainian forces have taken control of 100 Russian settlements and 1,294 sq km (500 sq miles) of Russian territory during their ongoing offensive into the Kursk region. Additionally, they have captured 594 Russian soldiers as prisoners of war.