Russia positions new fighter jets on Ukrainian border
- 10 years ago
A fleet of new Russian Sukhoi-34 twin-seat fighter jets arrived at an airbase in southern Russia --- which borders Ukraine.
Pilot Sergei Shturbabin says the new jets replace the older SU-24M model and give the military more flexibility regarding combat operations.
SOUNDBITE JET PILOT SERGEI SHTURBABIN, SAYING:
"The SU-34 has a more superior maneuverability, a ceiling (maximum altitude) of 15,000 meters, and distance range of 7,000 kilometers. It is also capable of hitting targets with maximum precision from different kind of maneuvers, under any weather conditions, day or night."
This airbase in Russia's Rostov region isn't far from the site of some of the fiercest fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists.
The buildup comes on the heels of a late night phone call between Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko and Russia's Vladimir Putin regarding a possible ceasefire.
It dissolved almost instantly as Russian rebels accused Kiev of
Pilot Sergei Shturbabin says the new jets replace the older SU-24M model and give the military more flexibility regarding combat operations.
SOUNDBITE JET PILOT SERGEI SHTURBABIN, SAYING:
"The SU-34 has a more superior maneuverability, a ceiling (maximum altitude) of 15,000 meters, and distance range of 7,000 kilometers. It is also capable of hitting targets with maximum precision from different kind of maneuvers, under any weather conditions, day or night."
This airbase in Russia's Rostov region isn't far from the site of some of the fiercest fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists.
The buildup comes on the heels of a late night phone call between Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko and Russia's Vladimir Putin regarding a possible ceasefire.
It dissolved almost instantly as Russian rebels accused Kiev of