Zelenskyy Announces Destruction of Two Su-34 Jets and Hit on Iskander Launcher

The Ukrainian side reported carrying out two missile strikes which, according to Kyiv's statement, destroyed two Russian Su-34 fighter jets and hit an Iskander missile system launcher. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as reported by RBC-Ukraine, while commenting on a briefing he received regarding the operation's progress.

Presidential Statement

"We just had a briefing. We carried out two missile strikes, two Russian Su-34s were destroyed, and an Iskander launcher was also hit. I thank you, guys, for the result," RBC-Ukraine quotes the head of state as saying. Thus, Kyiv officially confirms the use of missile weapons against ground targets and announces the destruction of both enemy aviation and missile armament systems.

Details of the Airfield Strike

Earlier, the Ukrainian Navy reported that two Su-34 fighter jets were hit by the Neptune coastal missile system at the Morozovka (Barinovka/Marinovka) airfield in Russia's Volgograd Oblast. According to this information, the strike on the grounded aircraft was delivered precisely by the Neptune system, which aligns with the overall outcome voiced by the president regarding the two destroyed Su-34s.

What Is Known About the Iskander Hit

In addition to aviation, Zelenskyy announced the hit on the Iskander launcher. The provided materials do not include additional technical details of this strike — neither the specific location, nor the type of weapon used, nor an assessment of the damage degree to the launcher. The only source of information about the Iskander hit is the president's statement relayed through RBC-Ukraine.

Context and Significance

The combination of statements — regarding two missile strikes, the destruction of two Su-34s at the Marinovka airfield, and the hit on the Iskander launcher — indicates Kyiv's attempt to simultaneously strike both enemy aviation and missile systems during a single operation. At the same time, all provided data relies on official statements from the Ukrainian side; the provided materials lack independent confirmations, as well as comments or refutations from Russia.