Russia Says Its Su-34 Fighter Jets Fired Missiles At Ukrainian Positions

Russia has said that its Su-34 fighter jets have fired missiles at Ukrainian military positions.

The images show a Russian fighter jet being loaded with ordnance before a pilot can be seen making his way to the aircraft and inspecting it.

The footage then shows the pilot climbing aboard, with the plane then seen taxiing on the runway before it takes to the skies.

The footage then appears to show the aircraft firing ordnance, with it then apparently seen coming in to land back at base.

The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday, 20th April, along with a statement saying: “Crews of Su-34 VVO fighter-bombers perform air patrol tasks in the area of ​​the special military operation.”

The Russian MoD added: “The crews of Su-34 fighter-bombers are on combat duty around the clock at home airfields.

“The pilots of the Eastern Military District perform the tasks of air patrols and cover the actions of units of the Armed Forces of Russia and allied forces at any time of the day and in any meteorological conditions.

“Combat sorties are carried out with missile weapons of various classes.”

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

jRussian Su-34 fighters fire missiles at Ukrainian military positions in Ukraine in undated footage. The footage was released by Russian MoD on Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023. (Ministry of Defense of Russia/Newsflash)

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The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 20th April 2023, Russia had lost about 184,420 personnel, 3,667 tanks, 7,120 armoured combat vehicles, 2,825 artillery units, 539 multiple launch rocket systems, 285 air defence systems, 308 warplanes, 293 helicopters, 2,386 drones, 911 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 5,707 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 332 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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He added that the United States will encourage Turkey and Hungary to ratify Sweden’s membership.

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