In a daily intelligence update, the British Defense Ministry said Wednesday that this incident marks a rare case amidst the ongoing aerial losses by the Russian forces, bringing the total number of aircraft lost since the commencement of the invasion to approximately 90.
Notably, the Su-35S, being one of Russia’s most advanced fighter jets currently in service, has encountered only five such losses.
Tokmak, the location of the incident, is situated in the Zaporizhia region, and is a heavily fortified city that frequently plays host to the Russian command, particularly in sectors of the front line that witness some of the most fierce fighting.
The intelligence update underscored the importance of these command quarters, which are typically shielded by special short- and medium-range air defense systems, stating, "These are almost certainly held at very high alert as Ukraine continues to conduct effective deep attacks against such locations".
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Source: PAP, RMF24