Ukrainian Forces Shoot Down Russian Fighter Plane Amidst Claims of Territorial Gains

Incident Near Kostiantynivka
Ukrainian forces successfully shot down a Russian fighter plane on Saturday, with the incident occurring near the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk province. According to Serhiy Horbunov, head of the Kostiantynivka Military Administration, the downed aircraft crashed into a residential house, causing a fire. Photographic evidence shows the charred remains of the aircraft resting on the burning structure.

Russian Claims of Control
In related developments, Russia’s Defense Ministry asserted that its troops had gained control over the village of Zhelanne Druhe, located in the partially occupied Donetsk province. This claim comes just three days after Ukrainian forces indicated their withdrawal from the frontline town of Vuhledar, situated approximately 33 kilometers (21 miles) from Zhelanne Druhe. The withdrawal from Vuhledar follows two years of intense fighting, marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict.

Worsening Situation for Ukraine
While the loss of Vuhledar may not drastically alter the overall trajectory of the war, it highlights Ukraine’s increasingly difficult position. Analysts attribute this decline in battlefield efficacy, in part, to the limitations imposed by Washington regarding Ukrainian strikes on deep Russian targets. Such restrictions have hampered Ukraine’s ability to degrade Russian military capabilities, complicating its defense efforts.