This was reported by the Commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk.
According to him, Ukrainian defenders destroyed Russian aircraft in the eastern part of Ukraine.
"On the morning of February 17, 2024, in the eastern sector, units of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed three enemy aircraft at once — two Su-34 fighter-bombers and one Su-35 fighter jet," the statement said.
Later, Oleshchuk clarified that the Su-35S was a single-seat plane, while the Su-34 was a two-seat plane. According to radio intercepts, one pilot was found, while the others are still being searched for.
"There is an international satellite search and rescue system called Cospas-Sarsat. In case of accidents, it notifies the location of the pilots' personal radio beacons. As you can see, the system is working! In the photo, four Cospas-Sarsats are working. Look for "brothers" in these areas! No thanks!" he added.
On February 17, Russia announced the downing of 33 drones over five regions. The attack was traditionally blamed on Ukraine.