**Russian SU-25 Fighter Jet Crashes in Donetsk Oblast: Details Still Unclear**
A Russian SU-25 fighter jet reportedly crashed over Donetsk Oblast on June 13, according to social media channels. The incident is still shrouded in mystery, with many speculating that the plane may have been hit by friendly fire from another Russian aircraft.
Videos posted online appear to show the plane crashing into a field after being closely followed by another fighter jet. However, neither the Ukrainian nor Russian military has commented on the reported crash, and The Kyiv Independent cannot independently verify the details surrounding it.
**The Su-25: A Battle-Proven Aircraft**
The SU-25 is a Soviet-designed close-air support aircraft that has been widely used in various conflicts. Developed by Sukhoi in the late 1970s, this aircraft features heavy armor and can withstand enemy fire, making it ideal for battlefield operations. The SU-25 has seen action in Afghanistan, Chechnya, and more recently, in Ukraine, where both Russian and Ukrainian forces operate the platform.
**Ukraine’s Successes Against Russian Su-25s**
In fact, Ukraine has downed multiple Russian SU-25s throughout the war. On February 8, Ukraine’s military reported shooting down a Russian SU-25 near the town of Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast. Another incident occurred on March 24, when Russia’s Defense Ministry said that a Russian SU-25 attack aircraft crashed during a routine training flight in Primorye Krai.
**Recent Incidents Spark Speculation**
The crash comes less than two weeks after Ukraine’s “Operation Spiderweb,” in which Ukrainian drones smuggled deep inside Russia and hidden inside trucks struck as many as 41 Russian heavy bombers at four airfields across the country. This latest incident has sparked speculation that Russian forces may be experiencing difficulties with their air campaign, leading to friendly fire incidents.
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