A Russian Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jet was reportedly shot down over the Black Sea, with unconfirmed reports suggesting it may have been downed by a Ukrainian F-16. -However, later reports, including confirmation from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense,

The Russian Air Force may be hollowing itself out from the inside faster than Ukraine is destroying it from the outside.

Ukraine's F-16s flew in combat for the first time at the end of August when they helped repel a Russian missile and drone attack.

Ukraine's acquisition of a few older F-16 fighter jets is unlikely to change the trajectory of the war against Russia. The Ukrainian pilots' limited training on these advanced aircraft and the small number of jets promised make their effectiveness questionable.