Ukraine Claims Successful Strike on Russia’s Advanced Su-57 Stealth Jet
Ukraine has reported a daring attack on an ultra-modern Russian Su-57 stealth jet, an aircraft hailed as Moscow’s most sophisticated fighter plane. The strike took place on Saturday at the Akhtubinsk base in southern Russia, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence, which shared satellite images of the aftermath of the attack.
The images show black soot marks and craters around the parked aircraft, indicating the impact of the strike. The Su-57, capable of carrying stealth missiles, is a highly prized asset in Russia’s arsenal.
Ukrainian military intelligence has stated that the attack may have damaged two Su-57 jets and injured Russian personnel, but no concrete evidence has been provided yet.
The strike was reportedly carried out using long-range weapons authorized by the United States and Germany as part of a wider strategy to bolster Ukraine’s defenses. The easing of restrictions on the use of these weapons is intended to help Ukraine protect the city of Kharkiv from Russian advances.
The incident adds to the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with the Kremlin issuing warnings of potential NATO involvement in the conflict. However, U.S. officials have characterized the authorization of long-range weapons as a necessary measure to support Ukraine’s self-defense.
Meanwhile, Russian Defense Ministry has not officially acknowledged the strike on the Su-57, but state-run media outlets have reported that the air force received more than 10 new Su-57s last year, with an order for a total of 76 to be delivered by 2028.
Along the front lines of the conflict, Russian shelling continues to inflict casualties on civilians. In the village of Khotimlya, a man was killed, and two women were injured. Heavy battles persist in the area as Ukrainian forces counter Russian advances.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a critical juncture, with the easing of restrictions on Western weapons potentially influencing the direction of the war. The aftermath of the alleged strike on the Su-57 jet and the broader military developments will continue to shape the dynamics of this complex conflict.