Ukraine’s military claims to have taken down three Russian fighter-bombers in the southern region of Kherson. Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk stated that the Su-34 jets were downed at around noon on Friday. He highlighted a message found on a downed Russian drone, which read “Die, bitches,” and responded with determination, saying, “Great idea! Here is our response!” President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude in his nightly address, thanking the soldiers responsible for downing the Russian fighters in the Kherson region.
Zelensky emphasized the accomplishment of the Air Force and the direct action of the Odesa Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, stating, “Thank you, guys!” He also warned Russian pilots, asserting that none of them will go unpunished for their actions.
While the Kremlin has not commented on Ukraine’s claims, Russian war blogger Fighterbomber suggested that losses might be due to the Patriot missile air-defence system. Another war blogger, the Voenniy Osvedomitel (“Military Informant”) channel on Telegram, reported “losses among Su-34 bombers,” indicating their use in dropping glide bombs on the Ukrainian bridgehead in Krynky on the Russian-controlled east bank of the Dnipro River.
Zelensky revealed discussions with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the delivery of F-16 jets to Ukraine and the approval of a new €50 billion ($55 billion) EU support package for Ukraine. Zelensky announced the Netherlands’ preparations to send the first F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, marking a significant move from political decisions to the actual implementation of the delivery. The Netherlands, along with Denmark, pledged to provide 61 US-made F-16 combat jets once Ukrainian pilots had been trained, with the recent announcement signaling progress in this commitment.
