Ukrainian Air Force claims to have shot down 14 Russian planes in last two weeks of February. Military experts agree on one fact: Russian aircraft sorties have significantly increased in recent weeks.
By approaching its targets as closely as possible, Moscow's air force increases the effectiveness of its powerful gliding bombs which equip its Sukhoi fighters. In recent days, the Ukrainian Air Force has dropped its first French-made AASM Hammer glide bombs on Russian positions. The possibility of a Patriot battery being deployed in the East is unlikely, however, General Trinquand believes.