The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic downed two Sukhoi Su-25 assault aircraft belonging to the Two Ukrainian Air Force, which were attacking the positions of the region’s self-defense fighters, Interfax cites Donbas militia’s information center as saying.
"One of the aircraft was shot from a portable air defense system near Horlivka. It flew into clouds of smoke in the direction of Myrhorod airdrome. The situation with the second one is being clarified," the militia stated.
Other sources have not confirmed the fact as of yet.
In the last five days starting with July 12 self-defense forces have shot down four Su-25 aircraft and one Antonov An-26 military transport plane, according to reports of the Donbas militia, .
The Ukrainian army, however, confirmed only one instance involving an Su-25 shot down on July 12.
Self-defense forces repel Ukrainian air attacks east of Donetsk
Ukrainian aircraft have attacked positions of self-defense forces near Saur Mogila Hill in the east of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. Self-defense troops are trying to repel the attack, using anti-aircraft guns.
"We have been attacked by three Su-25 fighter bombers. They came three times and fired four guided heavy missiles plus NURS [unguided missiles]. We are responding with anti-aircraft fire," a spokesman for self-defense forces told reporters.
Ukrainian aircraft have also bombed the nearby village of Tarany controlled by self-defense forces.
Earlier, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council confirmed Ukrainian air strikes in the area of military operations.
Large numbers of Ukrainian troops trapped near Saur Mogila are reportedly attempting to fight their way out of the encirclement.
In April, Kiev launched a military operation to suppress anti-government moods in eastern Ukraine in the wake of the Maidan-led February coup that ousted President Viktor Yanukovych.
Russia has repeatedly called for an end to bloodshed in eastern Ukraine.
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