By LEVI JOHNSON
MOSCOW, Russia — Russian air defense systems reportedly shot down one of their own fighter jets on October 17, in what appears to be one of the most serious cases of friendly fire since the start of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The incident, first reported by a Ukrainian military official, was later confirmed by Ukraine’s General Staff, the Ukrainian Navy, and even several prominent Russian military bloggers, who have frequently supported the Kremlin’s war narrative.
According to Ukrainian defense sources, the aircraft — believed to be a Su-35 multirole fighter jet — was downed by a Russian air defense missile over territory controlled by Russian forces near Mariupol.
“Preliminary information indicates that Russian air defenses mistakenly identified their own jet as an enemy aircraft,” Ukraine’s General Staff stated.
Russian military-affiliated Telegram channels corroborated the reports, sharing that the jet had been destroyed during what they described as a “misidentification incident.” The pilot reportedly ejected successfully, though his current condition remains unclear.
No official comment has been issued by Russia’s Defense Ministry as of Thursday evening.
Independent analysts suggest the incident underscores the ongoing coordination and communication failures within Russian forces operating along the front lines.
If confirmed, this would mark at least the fourth documented friendly-fire incident involving Russian aircraft since 2022.
Military observers note that Russia’s dense anti-aircraft network — combined with frequent changes in flight patterns and electronic jamming — has repeatedly increased the risk of such accidental shootdowns.
🗣️ Social Media Versions
Twitter/X (280 characters):
🚨 Reports say Russian air defenses have accidentally shot down their own Su-35 fighter jet near Mariupol.
Multiple Russian bloggers confirmed the “friendly fire” incident. Pilot ejected, fate unknown.
#Russia #UkraineWar #BreakingNews #TheCheerNews
Facebook:
🇷🇺 BREAKING: Russian air defense forces accidentally shot down one of their own Su-35 fighter jets on October 17, near Mariupol.
The incident was confirmed by Ukraine’s military and several Russian bloggers.
Analysts say it highlights deep coordination failures in Russia’s war operations.
#Russia #Ukraine #FriendlyFire #WarInUkraine #TheCheerNews
Instagram Caption:
💥 FRIENDLY FIRE FALLOUT
Russia’s air defenses reportedly shot down their own Su-35 fighter jet near Mariupol.
Sources: Ukrainian officials & Russian military bloggers.
The pilot ejected — fate unknown.
📅 Oct. 17 | ⚔️ #UkraineWar #BreakingNews #TheCheerNews
Threads:
🇷🇺 Russia’s air defenses have accidentally shot down one of their own Su-35 jets near Mariupol, confirmed by Ukrainian military and Russian bloggers.
Analysts cite growing coordination failures in Russia’s war effort.
#Russia #Ukraine #BreakingNews #TheCheerNews
