Russia claimed Tuesday to have destroyed five Ukrainian military jets in a strike on an air base near Myrgorod, Ukraine, as Kyiv prepares for the arrival of F-16 fighters. The Russian defense ministry said Iskander-M missiles were fired at the air base, resulting in the destruction of five Su-27 multirole fighters and damage to two others.
The ministry published footage of the strike, showing smoke billowing at the airfield. Ukrainian military correspondents confirmed equipment losses in the hit, criticizing commanders for lack of protection for parked planes. The use of fighter jets has been limited in the conflict, but Ukraine hopes the F-16s will better protect against Russian attacks.
The first deliveries of F-16 fighters from NATO countries are expected to arrive in Ukraine soon. Russia has vowed to target and destroy them, leading to increased hits on Ukrainian airbases ahead of the deliveries. Ukraine has not disclosed where the F-16s will be based.
