FACT CHECK: Did Ukraine Shoot Down All Of Russia’s Aircraft?

Elias Atienza | Senior Reporter

A video shared on Facebook claims Ukraine shot down all of Russia’s aircraft in the air in one day.

Verdict: False

Ukraine has not claimed to have destroyed many aircraft in the past week. Videos show that Russian aircraft are still operating.

Fact Check:

The U.S. is sending a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine as part of a recent $1.85 billion military aid package, NPR reported. The U.S. is also preparing a major aid package for Ukraine as the country requests tanks, according to CNN.

The Facebook video, viewed more than 6,000 times, claims that Ukraine shot down several Russian aircraft in a day. The video’s caption reads, “This is an absolutely fantastic record- Ukraine shotdown all Russian aircraft in the air in one day!”

However, this claim is highly misleading. If Ukraine had shot down every single Russian aircraft operating in the air one day, media outlets would have covered it, yet none have. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has also not claimed to have destroyed every single Russian aircraft in the air.

Ukraine’s Air Force has released statements when they have claimed to have destroyed a Russian aircraft. For example, on Jan. 12 the Ukrainian Air Force claimed to have destroyed a Russian Su-25 and an Orlan drone, according to the Kyiv Independent.

Videos posted on social media also show that Russian aircraft continue to operate over Ukraine. One video shows Russian Su-25 attack aircraft allegedly flying over the Donbas region. Another video shows Russian helicopters firing missiles. (RELATED: Did The Ukrainians Hit The Crimea Bridge With A HIMARS Missile?)


“Video of Russian Mi-28MN attack helicopters launching Izdelie 305 LMUR missiles. The footage shows them operating with Mi-8AMTSh helicopters.,” the tweet reads.

Check Your Fact also reviewed the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense’s claims of destroyed Russian aircraft. From Jan. 10 to Jan. 17, they claimed to have destroyed one helicopter and jets.

This is not the first time misinformation regarding the Ukraine war has circulated online. Check Your Fact recently debunked a claim suggesting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization launched an intervention in Ukraine.

Elias Atienza

Senior Reporter
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