Russian Su-25 Jet Crashes Donetsk Amid Structural Failure Claims

A Russian Su-25 attack jet crashed near the occupied city of Soledar in Ukraine's Donetsk region after its right wing detached mid-flight during a frontline mission. Initial reports suggested the jet may have been downed by friendly fire from an unguided missile fired by a partner plane, but lack of a large explosion and expert analysis also pointed to possible structural fatigue or technical failure in Russia's aging Su-25 fleet, which averages over 40 years old. The pilot ejected safely and was rescued by Russian forces under fire from Ukrainian drones, sustaining a broken arm. This incident marks the 39th confirmed loss of a Russian Su-25 since the war began, highlighting severe attrition within a fleet that has shrunk from nearly 200 airframes to possibly fewer than 100. Separately, the Ukrainian Air Force recently downed another Russian Su-35 fighter jet over Russia's Kursk region, continuing significant Russian losses in military aviation that have eroded both capability and confidence in their air operations. These losses underscore the ongoing intense aerial combat and the strain on Russian air assets amid the prolonged conflict.