Ukraine Downs 13 Russian Aircraft in 13 Days, Outpacing Replacement Capabilities

In a statement to the OSCE, UK military advisor Nicholas Aucott revealed Ukraine's significant impact on the Russian air force by shooting down 13 Russian combat aircraft in just as many days. This rate of destruction surpasses Russia's ability to replace lost jets by 20 times, highlighting a considerable setback in Russia's war efforts. The UK's stance emphasized the grave consequences of Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, noting the severe impact on hundreds of thousands of women and children through loss, displacement, and the destruction of homes. Despite these challenges, Ukraine's resilience and defense of democratic values have been underscored, with recent victories including the downing of three Sukhoi Su-34 fighter bombers near Avdiivka and Mariupol.

Aucott criticized Russia's failure to achieve its initial war objectives, instead fortifying NATO's alliance and diminishing Russia's global standing. The UK pledged unwavering support for Ukraine, announcing a coalition to lead a major drone capability initiative with Latvia, imposing unprecedented sanctions against Russia, and emphasizing the importance of Ukraine's victory for global stability. The UK's commitment reflects a broader international effort to ensure Ukraine's sovereignty and deter further aggression by Russia, reinforcing the importance of collective action in maintaining global order.