Russian officials report downing of F-16 fighter jet in Zaporizhzhia region
A Taiwanese F-16 fighter jet escorts a plane carrying President Lai Ching-te back to Taiwan after his Pacific tour, on Dec. 6, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Russian officials claim they have shot down a U.S.-manufactured F-16 fighter jet in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region as it was allegedly preparing to conduct a missile strike.
Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the Russian Civic Chamber’s commission on sovereignty, patriotic projects, and veteran support, reported the incident to TASS news agency on Tuesday.
“The F-16 was in its initial position to carry out a missile strike on the region when it was shot down,” Rogov said.
The incident reportedly took place in the Zaporizhzhia region, which has been partially controlled by Russian forces since 2022. No additional details about the exact location, timing, or circumstances of the alleged downing were provided in the initial report.
