THIS is the shocking moment Vladimir Putin lost another of his Su-25 planes as it was shot down over Ukraine in the latest humiliating blunder to Russia.
The attack aircraft was downed as it was striking Ukrainian positions around Kramatorsk, defenders claimed.
East2WestFootage shows the Russian jet’s (bottom) final moments before it was hit[/caption]
East2WestUkraine precisely targeted the enemy plane, which instantly burst in flames[/caption]
East2WestThe Russian Su-25 is then seen losing altitude as smoke and flames are up in the air[/caption]
Anti-aircraft gunners of the 28th separate mechanised brigade took down the latest Su-25 scalp with a man portable air defence missile, they said.
The plane – estimated in £8million by Ukrainian outlet Babel – was low flying and operating with another similar aircraft.
It was seen releasing heat traps or flares to prevent it being hit by heat seeking missiles.
But the aircraft reportedly was struck and its trajectory is seen as flying towards the ground.
The brigade reported on social media: “The fate of the crew is still unknown, but we know for sure that our infantry has one less problem.”
In total, during the invasion of Ukraine, the Russians have lost at least 33 Su-25 attack aircraft, according to calculations by OSINT project Oryx, which documents losses in equipment on both sides of the conflict.
Other analyses suggest Putin has seen as many as 43 Su-25s in the war prior to this loss.
Intense fighting is now underway across the front as Russia is making gains in the Donbas rust belt of eastern Ukraine.
But Kyiv’s forces are holding 100 settlements inside Russia in Kursk region, and are also seeking to smash their way into Belgorod region, forcing Putin to move troops from Donbas and Crimea to defend his own territory.
Moscow has not officially acknowledged the loss of another Su-25.
Ukraine continues the offensive into RussiaROMAN PILIPEY/AFP via Getty Images
A Kursk village erupts in sparks and smoke
It comes as Ukraine is attempting a second surge into Russia with troops eyeing the Belgorod region after smashing into Kursk.
Kyiv’s forces are attacking border checkpoints as Putin’s soldiers desperately fight back to defend their soil, reports say.
Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the Ukrainians were trying to “break through the border”, citing Vlad’s defence ministry.
He said: “According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the situation on the border remains difficult but under control.
“Our military is carrying out planned work. Please remain calm and trust only official sources of information.”
Rumours of heated Ukrainian attacks are also swirling on Telegram.
Meanwhile, rescue workers in President Volodymyr Zelensky’s home town have been searching the wreckage of a hotel caught in a Russian missile blitz.
The attack on the Aurora Hotel in Kryvyi Rih, near where Mr Zelensky lived with his family, left two dead.
It was part of a nationwide drone and rocket attack that killed four people.
British security advisor Ryan Evans, 38, was killed in a separate strike on the Sapphire Hotel in eastern Kramatorsk on Saturday.
GettyKyiv troops now control 500 square miles of Russian territory, it’s been claimed[/caption]
A Ukrainian tank fires into KurskREUTERS
What are the features of the SU-25?
THE Su-25 is known for its robustness and ability to deliver precise ground attacks in hostile environments.
Its design emphasises mission endurance, making it a staple of Soviet and post-Soviet ground attack operations for decades.
It remains in service today, with ongoing upgrades ensuring its relevance on modern battlefields.
Here are some of the main features of the Su-25:
Designation: Su-25 (NATO reporting name: “Frogfoot”)
Role: Close Air Support (CAS) / Ground Attack Aircraft
Country of Origin: Soviet Union (now Russia)
Designer: Sukhoi Design Bureau
First Flight: February 22, 1975
Introduction to Service: 1981
Number Built: Over 1,000 units
Price: £8million
Crew: 1 (pilot)
Max Speed: 975 km/h (606 mph) at sea level
Length: 15.53 meters (50 ft 11.5 in)
Wingspan: 14.36 meters (47 ft 1.5 in)
Ordnance: Up to 4,400 kg (9,700 lbs) of payload, including: Rockets, missiles, bombs, Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air Missiles, drop tanks and other munitions
