Ukrainians have shot down two valuable Russian aircraft

They are enjoying their morning coffee in Kyiv

I dont normally write short updates about news stories, but I’m making an exception for this one. If this is true, then the Ukrainians have arguably had their best day in their war against Russian fixed wing aircraft so far in the war. Reports are circulating that the Ukrainians shot down two very valuable Russian aircraft over the Sea of Azov. One would be an A-50 airborne radar aircraft and the other a Il-22 command aircraft.¹

An A-50 in flight. For more details on the aircraft see: https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/a-50u-airborne-early-warning-and-control-aewc-aircraft/?cf-view

There have been anonymous Ukrainian sources confirming it in the press.² Ive asked some Ukrainians I trust and they say no official confirmation yet—but sounded extremely hopeful. Note there are also reports that the A-50 was destroyed with damage but the Il-22 was only damaged and able to land. So monitor it closely.

What is this important? In short, a number of reasons.