Forbes Challenges Ukraine's Claims of Downing Russian Warplanes

Forbes magazine has raised doubts about Ukraine's claims of downing seven Russian Su-25 aircraft between May 4 and May 25, 2024. According to Forbes, only two of these incidents are supported by visual video evidence, contradicting statements made by Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky.

Why this matters: The accuracy of Ukraine's claims about downing Russian warplanes has significant implications for the ongoing conflict and international relations. If Ukraine's claims are exaggerated or false, it could erode trust in their reporting and impact the response of Western allies.

The evidence provided by Ukraine includes a grainy photo and a dubious video. Forbes also found that some of the 'evidence' was taken from a video game. The magazine suggests that Ukraine's 110th Brigade likely downed at most two jets.

This development comes amid Russia's continued air raids on Ukraine, which has led to ammunition shortages and requests for F-16s from Western allies. The dispute over the number of downed warplanes raises questions about the accuracy of Ukraine's claims and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Forbes' investigation found that one piece of evidence was a grainy photo, while another was a dubious video. Additionally, some 'evidence' was allegedly taken from a video game. Forbes concludes that Ukraine's 110th Brigade likely downed at most two jets.

Despite facing ammunition shortages, Ukraine has been actively requesting F-16 fighter planes from its Western supporters. Belgium has pledged to supply Ukraine with 30 F-16s by 2028. Russia, however, has repeatedly warned that no amount of foreign aid will change the outcome of the conflict.

The 110th Mechanized Brigade, which made the claims, suffered heavy losses during the battle for the strategic Donbass city of Avdeevka and was forced to retreat in February 2024, leaving behind potentially hundreds of casualties. The brigade has been plagued by ammunition shortages resulting from delays in Western supplies.

According to the Oryx monitoring website, Russia has lost at least 29 Su-25s since launching its military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. The Russian Defense Ministry has reported that its Su-25s participated in around a dozen air raids on Ukrainian positions this month alone, with Ukraine losing 604 military planes and 274 helicopters since the fighting began.

The discrepancy between Ukraine's claims and the evidence raises questions about the accuracy of Ukraine's reporting on military operations. The ongoing conflict highlights the need for reliable information and transparent reporting remains critical.

Key Takeaways

• Forbes doubts Ukraine's claim of downing 7 Russian Su-25 jets, citing lack of evidence.
• Only 2 incidents are supported by visual evidence, contradicting Ukraine's claims.
• Some "evidence" was taken from a video game, casting further doubt on Ukraine's reports.
• Accurate reporting is crucial in the conflict, as it affects Western allies' response.
• Discrepancy raises questions about Ukraine's reporting on military operations.