Ukraine Confirms Downing of Russian Su-35 Fighter Jet on Eastern Front

Ukrainian forces confirmed on 8 July that they shot down a Russian Su-35 multirole fighter jet during combat operations on the eastern front. The Ukrainian Air Force released video footage showing the burning wreckage of the aircraft, with the Third Army Corps stating that the Su-35 remained ablaze within its area of responsibility. Russian sources claimed the pilot ejected and survived, returning to Russian-held positions, though Ukrainian military channels reported that the experienced pilot had previously posed significant tactical challenges to Ukrainian defence forces in that sector.

The Su-35 represents one of Russia's most advanced combat aircraft, typically used for air superiority missions and escorting Su-34 fighter-bombers that conduct strikes against Ukrainian positions. The loss underscores the ongoing aerial attrition experienced by Russian forces throughout the conflict. This incident follows Ukraine's June 26 strike on Russian-occupied Crimea that destroyed a MiG-29 fighter jet at Belbek airfield, with Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate estimating financial losses in the tens of millions of dollars.

According to Ukraine's General Staff, Russia has sustained cumulative losses of 436 aircraft and 353 helicopters since the war began. Russia has attempted to replenish its air force through continued domestic production; in December 2025, Russia's United Aircraft Corporation delivered a new batch of Su-35S fighters to the military. The aircraft has been in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces since 2014 and represents an upgraded variant of the Su-27 Flanker originally developed in the 1980s. Russia has also licensed Iran to produce the Su-35S, with reports indicating completion of the first batch of 20 aircraft ordered by Tehran as part of bilateral military cooperation.