Russian S-300 air defense systems in Tokmak, Zaporizhzhia reportedly shot down their own Su-35 "Flanker" multi-role fighter jet on the night of Sep 28, 2023.

Unconfirmed footage reportedly shows the hit as well as the burning jet wreckage falling from the sky. It's not clear if the pilot survived.

The city of Tokmak is a main logistical hub for Russian forces, as main supply routes fan out from the city to the Zaporizhzhia front line. Ukrainian forces are making slow, but steady, gains south near Novoprokopivka and Verbove. A Ukrainian breakthrough at either of these locations is a real possibility and would put Tokmak in the sights of Ukraine as the next main objective. Russian troops in Tokmak are likely on edge, which lead to the shootdown of their own aircraft.

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Will Killmore

Will Killmore is a US Army combat infantry veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He has deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 172nd Stryker Brigade and 173rd Airborne Brigade. Following his time in service, he successfully pursued a certificate of journalism and has been a blogger for Funker530 since 2014. Follow Will’s bad takes on Twitter