Russian Su-30SM Fighter Jet Crashes off Zmiinyi Island

Intelligence units of the Ukrainian Navy reported losing contact with a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet operating southeast of Zmiinyi (Snake) Island.

In a statement on the Ukrainian army’s official Telegram channel, it was noted that “the aircraft is believed to have crashed, possibly due to an unknown cause.”

Following the incident, Russian forces launched a search and rescue operation in the area. The wreckage of the aircraft was reportedly found on the sea surface, but the pilots have not yet been located.

Due to its strategic position in the Black Sea, Zmiinyi Island has been of critical importance to both Ukraine and Russia since the early days of the war.