Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian military, last week said Moscow had lost 278 aircraft in the war – more than double the 119 lost by the Soviet Union in nearly 10 years in Afghanistan. “While we cannot independently verify these figures, Russia’s continued lack of air superiority is likely exacerbated by poor training, the loss of experienced crews and the increased risks of providing close air support in dense air defense zones,” the Foreign Ministry said in the daily of updating information. . “This is unlikely to change in the coming months. “Russia’s aircraft losses likely greatly exceed their ability to build new aircraft,” it said. “The time required to train competent pilots further reduces Russia’s ability to regenerate combat aviation capability.” Kyiv on Monday welcomed the arrival of more air defense systems from Norway, Spain and the US, after military analysts urged the West to support Ukraine’s ability to protect its energy infrastructure from Russian attacks. Oleksiy Reznikov, Minister of Defense, said on social media: “NASAMS and Aspide air defense systems have arrived in Ukraine! These weapons will significantly strengthen the Ukrainian military and make our skies safer.”
