Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian Su-34 bomber near Zaporizhzhia early Thursday morning, marking a successful strike.
Downing of a Russian Aircraft
Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed the downing of a Russian Su-34 bomber near Zaporizhzhia around 4:00 AM local time on Thursday, September 25. The aircraft was reportedly conducting combat missions, having previously carried out bombings in the area.
Ukrainian Drones Strike Deep in Russia
Ukrainian drones also conducted attacks in southern Russia, targeting the Krasnodar region. Explosions were heard in Biełoreczensk, reportedly due to a strike on a fertilizer plant, while maritime drones attacked the port of Tuapse on the Black Sea. Earlier, Ukrainian strikes had also targeted the port of Novorossiysk. These attacks are part of Ukraine’s increasing efforts to retaliate against Russia’s missile and drone strikes, including a recent drone incursion over Moscow.
Are the Russians Losing Strength?
Experts and some Western politicians suggest that Russia is growing increasingly weary of the war. Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that “Putin and Russia are facing enormous economic troubles” and that the war, now in its third and a half year, should have ended by now if Russia were a true military power. In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia continues its “special military operation” to secure its interests, emphasizing that “there is no alternative.” The Trump administration believes Russia’s economy is already in “poor condition,” with some problems likely to become more apparent soon.
