Russia destroys 3 more Ukrainian warplanes

Russia has destroyed three more Soviet-era warplanes in an operation against a Ukrainian air base in the south of the country. 

The Defense Ministry said in a statement on Sunday that the warplanes, Su-25 close air support, were stationed at Ukraine’s Voznesensk airfield in Nikolaev Region.

The operation was conducted using tactical aircraft, missile forces and troops’ artillery, the ministry said without providing further details.

The latest operation brought the total number of Ukrainian aircraft to 580, since Russia launched its “special military operation” in the country in February 2022.

The ministry also said that the Russian army destroyed a guidance radar array, a combat control vehicle, three S--300 anti-aircraft missile system launchers and two ammunition warehouses.

They also damaged a storage facility for unmanned aerial vehicles in Ukraine.

According to the statement, the Ukrainian forces and its military equipment were targeted in 126 areas.

In total, Russia has shot down 270 helicopters and 17,951 drones since the start of the war, said the defense ministry.

(With inputs from agencies)