Ukraine’s military says it hit some of Russia’s most advanced combat aircraft deep inside its territory, striking Su-57 stealth fighters and a Su-34 bomber in the Chelyabinsk region, roughly 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles) from the Ukrainian border.
The strike took place on April 25, according to Ukraine’s General Staff, which did not disclose the method of attack or confirm the exact number of damaged aircraft. Officials said “several” Su-57 jets and one Su-34 were hit.
The Su-57 is Russia’s most advanced fighter jet and its only operational fifth-generation combat aircraft. Designed with stealth features, advanced avionics, and high-speed maneuverability, it is intended to compete with Western aircraft such as the US F-35.
The specific airbase was not identified. However, satellite images shared by the Telegram channel Exilenova+ suggest the Shagol airbase near Chelyabinsk was targeted.
The imagery appears to show damage to three aircraft – two Su-57s and one Su-34 – comparing satellite data from April 17 and April 26.
Ukraine has not confirmed how the strike was carried out, leaving open questions over whether long-range drones, missiles, or sabotage operations were involved.
Analysts cited in the Exilenova+ report noted that the distance makes conventional drone delivery of explosives unlikely.
If confirmed, the strike would represent one of Ukraine’s deepest attacks inside Russia since the start of the war and a rare reported hit on the Su-57, Moscow’s most advanced and expensive fighter jet.
The Su-57s were confirmed to have been struck for the first time in June 2024, when the Akhtubinsk airfield, around 460 kilometers (286 miles) from the Ukrainian border, was hit.
Both the Su-57 and Su-34 are estimated to cost tens of millions of dollars, with potential strike-related losses reaching up to $150 million if the aircraft were significantly damaged. In recent months, Russia has actively promoted the export version of the Su-57, though it is unclear how many countries have purchased the jet.
The strike came amid a broader wave of long-range Ukrainian strikes on April 25, with media reports saying drones reached areas near the Ural Mountains, including Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg – regions previously considered beyond Ukraine’s operational reach.
Footage circulating on social media reportedly showed Ukrainian long-range Liutyi drones, which are capable of flying over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles).
Ukrainian officials said Russian air defenses attempted to intercept the attack, with at least one system reportedly misfiring and striking a residential building, according to Ukrainian defense adviser Serhiy Sternenko.