Forbes: Ukrainian agents penetrated deep into Russian territory, setting fire to the Su-34

(Dan Tri) – Ukraine has many ways to target Russia’s squadron, but breaking into a base deep in Russian territory to do this may also be intended to have a psychological impact on Moscow.

Screenshot from video of what is believed to be a Su-34 on fire at a Russian air base (Photo: Drive).

The Defense Intelligence Agency of Ukraine (DIU) said on January 4 on Telegram that this burning Su-34 fighter belonged to the 21st Guards Mixed Air Force Division of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

The plane caught fire while stationed at Shagol air base in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk, nearly 2,000km from the Ukrainian border.

`We are investigating the reason why this plane caught fire,` DIU said.

The video released by DIU shows a snow-covered Su-34 inside a base, with a fire that was initially small and then grew larger under the fuselage.

The fire appeared to originate from the area near the fuel tank under the plane’s belly.

Ukraine did not deny or confirm its involvement in the above incident.

This is not the first time a Ukrainian agent has broken into Russia, but it may be the most daring mission.

Ukraine has other ways to attack Russian air bases from hundreds of kilometers away, such as with missiles or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

That is why Ukraine chose to target Chelyabinsk and Russia’s Su-34.

The Su-34 bomber is one of the best aircraft in the Russian air force and operates most actively along the more than 1,000km long front line in the nearly 2-year war between Russia and Ukraine.

Su-34 aircraft perform almost daily missions of satellite-guided glide bombs against Ukrainian positions.

The Ukrainian army is doing everything to shoot down as many Russian fighters as possible.

After redeploying long-range air defense forces in the south last month, the Ukrainian air force shot down four Russian Su-34s in just one week.

Moscow did not comment on these statements, but said the Russian air force also repeatedly shot down Ukrainian fighter jets.

According to analysts, Ukraine’s campaign using commandos may be effective, but has potential risks.