Kyiv Says It Struck Russia’s High-End Su-57 Stealth Fighters in Deep Rear Operation

The strike represents one of Ukraine’s deepest attacks inside Russia since the start of the war and a rare reported hit on the Su-57, Moscow’s most advanced and expensive fighter jet. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied The Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft performs during Aero India 2025, a military aviation exhibition at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 12, 2025. (Photo by Idrees MOHAMMED / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukraine’s military says it hit some of Russia’s most advanced combat aircraft deep inside its territory, striking Su-57 stealth fighters and a Su-34 bomber in the Chelyabinsk region, roughly 1,700 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The strike took place on April 25, according to Ukraine’s General Staff , which did not disclose the method of attack or confirm the exact number of damaged aircraft. Officials said “several” Su-57 jets and one Su-34 were hit. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The Su-57 is Russia’s most advanced fighter jet and its only operational fifth-generation combat aircraft. Designed with stealth features, advanced avionics, and high-speed maneuverability, it is intended to compete with Western aircraft such as the US F-35. The specific airbase was not identified. However, satellite images shared by the Telegram channel Exilenova+ suggest the Shagol airbase near Chelyabinsk was targeted. The imagery appears to show damage to three aircraft – two Su-57s and one Su-34 – comparing satellite data from April 17 and April 26. Ukraine has not confirmed how the strike was carried out, leaving open questions over whether long-range drones, missiles, or sabotage operations were involved. Analysts cited in the Exilenova+ report noted that the distance makes conventional drone delivery of explosives unlikely. If confirmed, the strike would represent one of Ukraine’s deepest attacks inside Russia since the start of the war and a rare reported hit on the Su-57, Moscow’s most advanced and expensive fighter jet. Both the Su-57 and Su-34 are estimated to cost tens of millions of dollars, with potential losses from the strike reaching up to $150 million if the aircraft were significantly damaged. The strike came amid a broader wave of long-range Ukrainian strikes on April 25 , with media reports saying drones reached areas near the Ural Mountains, including Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg – regions previously considered beyond Ukraine’s operational reach. Footage circulating on social media reportedly showed Ukrainian long-range Liutyi drones, which are capable of flying over 1,000 kilometers. Ukrainian officials said Russian air defenses attempted to intercept the attack, with at least one system reportedly misfiring and striking a residential building, according to Ukrainian defense adviser Serhii Sternenko. Alisa is the Head of News and a correspondent at Kyiv Post, where she leads the newsroom’s coverage of breaking events and global developments.  With over seven years of experience in TV journalism, Alisa has reported on international and Ukrainian politics, making complex stories easier to understand. Back in September 2022, Alisa joined the Kyiv Post team.