The dramatic moment a Russian fighter jet was shot down by Ukrainian forces has been captured on video.
Images show a Sukhoi SU-25 desperately releasing flares, as it seeks to avoid being hit by anti-aircraft missiles.
The plane can then be seen crashing into the ground, while a second Russian fighter jet makes good its escape.
The SU-25 was shot down by Ukraine’s 28th separate mechanised brigade as it attacked their positions in the Kramatorsk area.
“The fate of the crew is still unknown, but we know for sure that our infantry has one less problem,” the 28th brigade said on social media.
Ukraine has destroyed at least 33 SU-25s during the course of the war, according to OSINT project Oryx, which documents losses in equipment on both sides of the conflict.
However, some believe that the figure could be as high as 43, before this latest loss.
The fighter jet is estimated to cost between £8-£15 million and was developed as a sound-attack aircraft in the Soviet era.
The SU-25 has been widely exported, with around 250 units still operated by the Russian Air Force and other former Soviet states.
It can climb at a rate of 58m/s and has a maximum speed of 950km/h (590 miles per hour).
Ukraine’s military chief General Oleksandr Syrsky said on Tuesday that Ukraine is continuing to press ahead with its military operation in the Kurk region, and has captured one hundred settlements.
He also claimed that his forces had taken 594 Russian prisoners since it launched its incursion on August 6.
The commander said Putin’s army was sending reinforcements to Kursk, the majority of whom have been pulled from frontlines in the south of Ukraine.
“As of now, we can say that around 30,000 servicemen have been sent to the Kursk front and this figure is growing,” he said.
Meanwhile Russian troops continue their advance on Pokrovsk in the east, which an important transport hub.
Syrsky admitted the situation was difficult, saying: “The enemy is using its advantage in personnel, weapons and military equipment, it is actively using artillery and aviation.”
