Vladimir Putin dealt massive £46m blow as Ukraine issues 'scale up' warning to Russia

 

Kyiv’s Drone Strikes Take Down Multi-Million-Pound Russian Fighter Jets in Ongoing Conflict

Ukraine has dealt a significant blow to Russia’s military capabilities, as Kyiv’s special security forces announced the downing of two Russian fighter jets in a recent operation. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) revealed on Telegram that their joint efforts with the Special Operations Forces (SSO) resulted in the destruction of two Russian Su-34 aircraft at the Marynivka airfield in the Volgograd region, with two additional jets reportedly damaged.

Though the exact timing of the attack was not disclosed, the SBU emphasized the economic and strategic impact of the strike. Each Su-34 fighter jet is valued at around £23 million, making this not just a military loss for Russia but a costly financial setback as well. These jets are a key asset for Russia’s bombing campaigns on the front lines.

The SBU further explained that “the enemy actively uses these multifunctional fighters for bombing missions, including deploying KAB precision-guided bombs.” The Ukrainian forces executed the strike using long-range drones—an increasingly effective and cost-efficient weapon in Kyiv’s arsenal.

According to the statement, the drone attacks also ignited a fire in the technical and operational section of the enemy airfield, a critical hub where aircraft are prepared, maintained, and repaired. The SBU stressed the importance of continuing to weaken Russia’s air capabilities by targeting military airfields and aircraft deep behind enemy lines, which they consider legitimate military targets.

Ukraine rarely confirms attacks beyond its internationally recognized borders, which include Crimea, the peninsula Russia annexed illegally in 2014. However, this attack signals Kyiv’s expanding reach and determination.

This news follows a recent announcement from Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who said on June 26 that Ukraine plans to “scale up” the number of long-range strikes into Russian territory. Umerov told the Kyiv Post that “about two weeks ago, a decision was made to increase these operations. We are preparing a new, large contract to intensify the strikes.”