Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle forces hit Su-57 and Su-34 fighters at the Shagol airfield in the Chelyabinsk region of Russia. The operation took place on 25 April 2026, and the extent of the damage is currently being assessed. This was part of measures to reduce the enemy's ability to attack civilian targets in Ukraine.
The destruction of Su-57 and Su-34 at Shagol airfield
According to the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on 25 April 2026, several modern Su-57 fighters and a Su-34 fighter-bomber were hit at the Shagol airfield in the Chelyabinsk region of the Russian Federation. The attack was carried out at a distance of about 1,700 km from the state border of Ukraine, which underscores the ability of Ukrainian drones to operate at a considerable depth of the enemy's territory.
According to the military, the extent of the damage to the aircraft is being clarified, but it is confirmed that the targets were hit. This is one of the most remote operations of Ukrainian forces during the full-scale war.
Reducing the enemy's potential
In the General Staff of Ukraine note, The Russian Federation has said that the measures taken are aimed at reducing the ability of Russian troops to strike civilian targets on the territory of Ukraine. Destruction or damage to modern aircraft, such as Su-57 and Su-34, directly affects the enemy's combat effectiveness.
The Su-57 is one of Russia's newest fighter jets, while the Su-34 is used to strike ground targets. Their loss or disabling makes it difficult to plan and conduct air operations against Ukraine.
Attack distance and strategic importance
Defeat of aircraft at a distance of over 1700 km from Ukraine's border demonstrates a new level of capabilities of Ukrainian unmanned technologies. Such operations increase the pressure on Russian military structures, forcing them to reassess the security of rear facilities.
This also indicates the expansion of the geography of combat operations, when even remote airfields are not out of reach of Ukrainian forces. Accordingly, the Russian command will be forced to change the logistics and deployment of its aviation.
Why it matters
The destruction of the Su-57 and Su-34 at Shagol airfield is of great strategic importance for Ukraine. First, it reduces the number of combat aircraft that can be used to attack Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Secondly, such strikes create additional risks for Russian aviation even in the deep rear.
In addition, such operations demonstrate Ukraine's ability to act asymmetrically and inflict casualties on the enemy at a great distance. This may affect the further course of hostilities and force the Russian command to revise its tactical plans.
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