Ukraine says it destroyed Russian Su-24M bomber at occupied Crimea airfield

What happened

New Voice Ukraine reports that Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Su-24M bomber and four pieces of airfield equipment at the Saky military airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea, based on a statement by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on August 22.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The claim underscores Ukraine’s continued offensive operations targeting Russian military infrastructure in Crimea, a region Russia annexed in 2014 but which remains internationally recognized as Ukrainian territory.

While the destruction of a Su-24M bomber represents a notable loss of Russian air assets, the specifics of how and when the attack occurred are not detailed in the source. The extent of damage to Russian operational capabilities at Saky airfield is not independently confirmed.

Known from the source

• President Zelenskyy stated Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Su-24M bomber at Saky airfield in Crimea.
• Four pieces of airfield equipment were also said to have been destroyed.
• The information was reported by New Voice Ukraine on August 22, 2026.

What remains unclear

Moscow has not been reported as commenting on the alleged attack. The source does not attribute the strike to a particular Ukrainian unit or method.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent verification of the strike and damage at Saky airfield. Clarification on the timing and method of the attack. Any official Russian response or casualty reports.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: New Voice Ukraine. Open the source.