Russia Claims Its Su-30 And Su-35 Fighter Jets Have Shot Down Ukrainian Aircraft

These images allegedly show night-time combat sorties of the Russian Su-30SM and Su-35S multi-role fighter aircraft during a special operation.

The video appears to show fighter crews working out patrols in the dark.

It seemingly shows crews preparing an aircraft for night departures and what the pilots see from the fighter cockpit, as well as how they return to base after alleged combat missions.

The footage was obtained by Newsflash from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 27th December, along with a statement: "The crews of multi-role fighters Su-30SM and Su-35S of the Russian Aerospace Forces during a special military operation worked out patrols in a given area at night.

"Flights of Russian Aerospace Forces fighters were carried out with suspended missiles of various classes.

"During one of the sorties, an aircraft of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was detected and destroyed in a timely manner."

We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin is still calling a "special military operation". Today marks the 307th day of the invasion.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 27th December, Russia had lost about 103,220 personnel, 3,016 tanks, 6,024 armoured combat vehicles, 1,998 artillery units, 418 multiple launch rocket systems, 212 air defence systems, 283 warplanes, 267 helicopters, 1,707 drones, 653 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,652 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 179 units of special equipment.

Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.

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But Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov responded with an ultimatum for Ukraine to either surrender Russian-controlled territory or have the Russian army decide for them.

And a UN spokesperson said that the secretary-general would only agree to meditate only "if all parties want him to mediate".

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Russia's Defence Ministry claimed no Russian aircraft were damaged in the explosion.

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Nikiforov has previous experience commanding elements of the Wagner Group in Donbas from 2014 to 2015.

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