**Ukraine Takes Down Russian Fighter Jet in Latest Show of Military Might**
In a significant blow to Russia’s military, Ukraine has shot down a Su-35 fighter jet over the Kursk Oblast region on June 7. This incident marks yet another addition to the long list of Russian aircraft destroyed by Ukrainian forces since the start of the full-scale invasion.
The details surrounding this operation are scarce, but what is clear is that it brings Ukraine’s total count of downed Russian planes to an impressive 414, according to the country’s General Staff. This number highlights the significant toll Ukraine has taken on Russia’s air force over the past year and a half.
**A History of Cross-Border Conflict**
The Kursk Oblast region, where this incident took place, is no stranger to cross-border tensions between Ukraine and Russia. In August 2024, Ukrainian forces launched a large-scale incursion into Russian territory for the first time since World War II. This marked a significant escalation in the conflict, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
The region was later retaken by Russian forces in early March, after they pushed back against Ukrainian positions and forced Ukraine to withdraw from much of the initially taken territory, including the town of Sudzha.
**Ukraine’s Recent Military Successes**
This downing adds to a string of successes for Ukraine’s military over the past week. On June 1, Ukraine launched Operation Spiderweb, a coordinated attack by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) that reportedly hit 41 Russian bomber planes and other aircraft. According to Ukrainian estimates, this operation inflicted $7 billion in damage and disabled over a third of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet.
While these numbers are difficult to verify independently, they demonstrate the significant impact Ukraine has had on Russia’s air capabilities. The SBU also claimed that their drone attack, which targeted airfields in at least four regions, resulted in 117 drones striking simultaneously from concealed trucks positioned across Russian territory.
**Implications for the Conflict**
The continued successes of Ukraine’s military raise questions about Russia’s ability to maintain its hold on occupied territories and project power over Ukrainian cities. The destruction of Russian aircraft and air infrastructure undermines Moscow’s capacity to conduct sustained air strikes against Ukrainian targets.
As the conflict continues, these developments highlight the complexities and uncertainties that lie ahead for both parties involved.
