RUSSIAN military strategists are willing to endure further losses of their aircraft in exchange for tactical advantages on the Avdiivka front, reports Kiev's Ukrainian Pravda.
'Russian forces appear to be willing to risk continued aviation losses in pursuit of tactical gains in eastern Ukraine, likely along the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line,' said Washington's Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Recent reports from Ukraine's Air Force reveal that on March 2, Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed a Su-34 aircraft that had conducted bombing raids on Ukrainian positions in the eastern region on March 1.
Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk confirmed that Ukrainian forces attempted to intercept two additional Russian Su-34s and one Su-35, ultimately shooting down one of the Su-34s.
Since February 17, Ukrainian military sources have reported the downing of a total of 15 Russian aircraft.
Ukrainian Air Force representative Yurii Ihnat noted a significant absence of Russian A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft over the Azov Sea in the past six days following the destruction of an A-50 on February 23.
Mr Ihnat suggested that the lack of A-50s is compelling Russian Su-34 and Su-35 aircraft to fly closer to their targets to conduct airstrikes.
Although previous losses of Russian aircraft prompted a temporary reduction in aviation activity across Ukraine, the recent surge in aircraft losses hasn't yet compelled Russian forces to significantly scale back their tactical air operations.
ISW's analysis suggests that Russian forces briefly secured a limited and localized air superiority during the final stages of the Avdiivka capture.
They are likely striving to regain this advantage to support ongoing tactical advancements on the Avdiivka front.
Despite the risk of additional aircraft losses, Russian commanders appear committed to sustaining offensive operations with air support.
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'Russian forces appear to be willing to risk continued aviation losses in pursuit of tactical gains in eastern Ukraine, likely along the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line,' said Washington's Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Recent reports from Ukraine's Air Force reveal that on March 2, Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed a Su-34 aircraft that had conducted bombing raids on Ukrainian positions in the eastern region on March 1.
Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk confirmed that Ukrainian forces attempted to intercept two additional Russian Su-34s and one Su-35, ultimately shooting down one of the Su-34s.
Since February 17, Ukrainian military sources have reported the downing of a total of 15 Russian aircraft.
Ukrainian Air Force representative Yurii Ihnat noted a significant absence of Russian A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft over the Azov Sea in the past six days following the destruction of an A-50 on February 23.
Mr Ihnat suggested that the lack of A-50s is compelling Russian Su-34 and Su-35 aircraft to fly closer to their targets to conduct airstrikes.
Although previous losses of Russian aircraft prompted a temporary reduction in aviation activity across Ukraine, the recent surge in aircraft losses hasn't yet compelled Russian forces to significantly scale back their tactical air operations.
ISW's analysis suggests that Russian forces briefly secured a limited and localized air superiority during the final stages of the Avdiivka capture.
They are likely striving to regain this advantage to support ongoing tactical advancements on the Avdiivka front.
Despite the risk of additional aircraft losses, Russian commanders appear committed to sustaining offensive operations with air support.
SeaNews Turkey