Ukrainian Sukhoi Su-27 Fighter Jet Was Shot Down Over Kyiv
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@nexta_tv/Twitter
A number of unverified videos and images have appeared on social media sites as a result of the tense situation in Ukraine.
A video is widely circulated on social media with claims that the Ukrainian air defenses shot down a Russian aircraft over Kyiv’s residential areas. Several videos and images have been shared on social media platforms without verification. False claims have been added to some of them, creating panic.
CNN has confirmed, however, that the video was actually that of a Ukrainian SU-27 that was shot down by Russia’s anti-air battery in the suburbs, rather than a Russian jet shot down. In an interview with CNN, a senior correspondent said the jet that was shot down was a Ukrainian SU-27.
The video is one of many being shared with unverified claims
There are a number of videos being circulated with unverified claims during these tensions. Among many others, a tweet initially captioned the video: “A #Russian aircraft is shot down by #Ukrainian air defenses and falls on residential areas in #Kyiv”. However, CNN has since said that this claim is false.
.@mchancecnn just reported on air, citing a Ukrainian interior ministry source, that this video shows a Russian surface-to-air missile shooting down a Ukrainian warplane. pic.twitter.com/m4ugY4C3I2
— Eric Geller (@ericgeller) February 25, 2022
On the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukrainian forces are claiming to have retaken the Antonov airport. It had previously been seized by Russian airborne units. As well as this, President Zelensky has ordered all men between the ages of 18 and 60 to enlist and not leave the country.
Over 60 Russian battalion tactical groups are now deployed on Ukrainian soil. During the interview, Zelensky said Russia considered him “number one” for assassination. According to him, 137 Ukrainians have been killed.
Three young soldiers holding a bullet-riddled Ukrainian flag. Taken at Antonov airport by Ukraine’s National Guard, have been tweeted by the National Guard of Ukraine. The caption read: ‘Guardsmen standing with their flag, ripped in pieces after today’s battle.’ Congratulation to all of you, and say that we are going to win!’
Ukrainian soldiers were urged to lay down their arms and return home. On Thursday, February 24, Putin announced the military operation, which was followed by explosions in all parts of Ukraine shortly afterward. In a statement for the UN Security Council, Ukraine’s ambassador said that Putin was declaring war on Ukraine.
A #Russian aircraft shot down by #Ukrainian air defenses falls on residential areas in #Kyiv. pic.twitter.com/kNR9yFwSGv
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) February 25, 2022
“Major war in Europe”
In response to Zelensky’s appeal, Putin called on Russians not to support a “serious war in Europe”. Moreover, he said that people in Russia were being misled about Ukraine. Adding that when he contacted Putin there was “no reply, only silence”. On Wednesday, February 23, he confirmed that Moscow has around 200,000 soldiers near the Ukrainian border.
It is expected that Ukraine’s capital will fall by the weekend, according to US officials. He believes Kiev will be in ruins within 24 to 36 hours, said General George Joulwan. He who led NATO during the Yugoslav war.
Ankita Khanrah
Ankita Khanrah is a second-year student of the Master of Communication and Journalism (Integrated) programme at the School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed University, Bhubaneswar.
