The Ukrainian military has announced that it successfully downed three Russian fighter-bomber aircraft in the country's southern region.
According to Kyiv Independent, Mykola Oleshchuk, the Air Force Commander-in-Chief, reported that the Su-34 type aircraft were shot down around noon on Friday.
He also mentioned discovering a message in a downed Russian drone, reading: 'Die'
"Good idea! Here's our response," he stated on Telegram.
In his daily video address, President Zelensky commended the soldiers who brought down the Russian aircraft over the Kherson region.
"This achievement is credited to our air force and the direct action of Odessa's missile brigade. Thank you, gentlemen," he said. "And let every Russian pilot know our response to any Russian aggressor - none will go unpunished."
The Russian government has yet to respond to these Ukrainian claims.
However, the Russian military blogger Fighterbomber acknowledged Russian losses, likely attributable to Ukraine's air defense. Another blogger reported losses among the SU-34 planes, supposedly used for bombing the Ukrainian stronghold in Krynky on the Russian-controlled east bank of the Dnieper River.
President Zelensky also mentioned discussing the delivery of F-16 aircraft to Ukraine and the approval of a new 50 billion euro aid package with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
Following American approval, the Netherlands announced plans on Friday to deliver 18 American-made F-16 aircraft donated to Ukraine, amidst increasing pressure on the Ukrainian government.
Denmark and the Netherlands had previously announced in August the donation of up to 61 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, pending the training of Ukrainian pilots.
