Ukrainian forces have shot down a Russian Su-25 close air support aircraft near Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast, according to a statement by the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade on Saturday. 

The aircraft’s downing adds to Russia’s growing losses as battles continue in Eastern Ukraine. 

“The warriors of the 28th Brigade destroyed an enemy Su-25! One less Russian attack aircraft in the Toretsk sector, thanks to our air defense forces,” the brigade’s statement read.

The aircraft was reportedly targeted by an anti-aircraft missile unit, using an Igla man-portable air-defense system, in coordination with the 57th Separate Battalion of Territorial Defense Forces.

Video footage shared by the brigade showed the aircraft being struck before it crashed near Toretsk. While the extent of the damage was not immediately clear, analysts suggest the missile likely hit the Su-25’s engines, leading to its eventual downing. 

💥 Warriors of the 28th Mechanized Brigade destroyed a russian Su-25 and likely damaged an enemy helicopter near Toretsk. pic.twitter.com/0cnYnMY0Ge

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) February 8, 2025

According to sources close to the Russian military, the pilot reportedly ejected and was safely evacuated.

Ukrainian sources said a Russian Mi-8 helicopter was deployed to recover the pilot but was forced to retreat after being targeted by Ukrainian first-person view (FPV) drones. The 28th Brigade claimed the helicopter sustained significant damage and was unable to complete the rescue mission, leaving the downed pilot stranded.

The Soviet-era Su-25, known by its NATO reporting name “Frogfoot,” is a heavily armored aircraft designed for ground-attack missions. It has been widely deployed by Russian forces throughout the ongoing conflict. 

According to open-source intelligence, at least 33 Russian Su-25s have been downed since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion against Ukraine in February 2022.