The Ukrainian Air Force has claimed to have shot down a total of 10 Russian warplanes in the past month, including 3 Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers in a single day [16451177]. This marks a significant blow to the Russian air force and a successful month for Ukraine's air defense [16451177]. The Ukrainian armed forces have been reporting multiple kills, including fighter-bombers and multi-role fighters, over the past few weeks [16451177]. The loss of 10 Russian warplanes, which includes 10 Su-34s, 2 Su-35s, and 1 A-50, highlights the effectiveness of Ukraine's air defense systems and tactics [16451177]. It is unclear how Ukraine is shooting down so many jets and whether any pilots have survived [16451177]. The Ukrainian Air Force's reported victories in protecting its skies come at a time when its forces are playing defense and facing Russian advances in other areas [16451177].
The Su-34 fighter-bombers are a crucial component of Russian air operations over Ukraine, and their loss poses a significant problem for the Russian air force [31c4e4d9] [16451177]. The Su-34s are known for their precision strike capabilities, with the ability to conduct effective standoff dynamic targeting against Ukrainian forces using guided weapons [31c4e4d9]. The Russian air force had been using the Su-34s as glide-bombers, dropping multiple guided bombs at a time from a distance of up to 25 miles from their targets [31c4e4d9]. However, as the Su-34 fleet dwindles, Russia may have to rely on other aircraft with inferior sensors and less experienced crews for the glide-bombing mission [31c4e4d9].
Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi confirmed the downing of the Russian aircraft but did not provide details on how they were brought down [16f2cef4]. The Ukrainian armed forces have received sophisticated air defense systems from their Western allies, which may have contributed to their success in shooting down the Russian warplanes [16f2cef4]. There has been no immediate official comment from Moscow regarding the incident [16f2cef4]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Swiss President Viola Amherd in Bern before attending the World Economic Forum in Davos [16f2cef4].
Russian attacks on Ukraine's Kharkiv and Dnipro regions and the Black Sea port city of Odesa killed at least two civilians, set a food factory ablaze, and damaged infrastructure, homes, and commercial buildings [b9d9cabb]. Ukraine's air force downed 13 Shahed drones that targeted the Kharkiv and Dnipro regions overnight [b9d9cabb]. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia had used eight missiles and nearly 70 guided aerial bombs against communities and frontline positions [b9d9cabb]. Ukraine's 110th mechanized brigade brought down a Russian Su-25 fighter-bomber over the eastern Donetsk region [b9d9cabb]. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Moscow had taken control of 547 sq km of territories this year [b9d9cabb]. Casualties and damage reports are yet to be verified [b9d9cabb].
According to an analysis by BLiTZ, Ukrainian war pilots are using outdated Vietnam-era military strategies, risking their lives with no strategic benefit [e0629258]. They allow Russian systems to detect their aircraft before attacking them with US-made AGM-88 HARM missiles [e0629258]. Moscow's forces quickly adapt, neutralizing the missiles and maintaining air superiority [e0629258]. The Ukrainian Air Force struggles to use Western missiles on Soviet-era fighters, indicating desperation and a lack of ability to reverse the military scenario [e0629258]. The analysis also suggests that NATO may be prolonging the conflict to delay peace and negotiations [e0629258].
Overall, the situation in Ukraine continues to escalate, with Ukraine claiming successful air defense victories against Russian warplanes while facing Russian advances in other areas. The loss of Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers poses a significant problem for the Russian air force, and Ukraine's use of sophisticated air defense systems may have contributed to their success. However, an analysis suggests that Ukraine's outdated warfare tactics and reliance on Western missiles on Soviet-era fighters may be putting their pilots at risk without strategic benefit. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia shows no signs of resolution, with casualties and damage reports continuing to rise [16451177] [31c4e4d9] [16f2cef4] [b9d9cabb] [e0629258].