"Brilliantly planned operation": Ihnat assessed the losses of the Russian Federation due to the defeat of three Su-34s in the south

Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat called today's downing of three Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers in the south the result of a"brilliantly planned operation." He estimated that the cost of one such aircraft is at least $50 million. Meanwhile, Russian media reports that the fighters were shot down by the Patriot system when they were flying to bomb the Ukrainian army's bridgehead in Krynky in Kherson region.

As Ignat said on the air of the telethon, Su-34s have not been added to the statistics of Russian losses for a long time.

"The operation to destroy the enemy on the outskirts of our country has been brilliantly planned once again. This time, three aircraft in the southern direction at once, which had not happened for a long time. The Su-34 has not been included in our positive statistics for a long time," said Ihnat.

The spokesman added that Russia has dozens more Su-34s and continues to produce them. These planes are among the newest in service with the aggressor country, and it is from them that the occupiers use bombs and missiles.

"I think that such a machine can cost at least $50 million. This is the lowest price, fighter jets are aviation complexes, extremely technological things," said Ihnat.

Meanwhile, the Telegram channel Fighterbomber, which is close to the Russian military aviation, has recognized the combat loss of at least one Russian aircraft. According to the channel, a Ukrainian Patriot air defense system could have been used to target the Sushky.

"Everyone was taken. The living and the dead. Earth to sky... The Patriot was preliminarily fired," the statement said.

Other Russian media outlets report that the planes were shot down by a Patriot system while flying to bomb a Ukrainian foothold near Krynky in Kherson region.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, at noon on December 22, the Ukrainian Armed Forces shot down three Su-34s, which are among the newest in the Russian army, in the south. The commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykola Oleshchuk said that our military responded to the cynical message of the Russians, which they sent together with one of the "Shahed" at night. Photos of the ejection site of one of the Russian pilots were posted online.