- by cnn
- 20 Apr 2024
Two Ukrainian jets roar just above the trees, flying in formation as they make their way towards the front lines of Ukraine's counteroffensive.
The Soviet-era Su-25s glide slowly, loudly, spewing thick black smoke as they go. They seem to hug the ground - flying as low as possible to avoid Russian radars, air defenses and more importantly, enemy jets.
The Su-25s are ancient aircraft, first introduced in the 1980s, and they're easy prey for Russia's Su-35s and their advanced radars and long range missiles.
"We lose many aircraft to these interceptors," says Su-25 pilot Oleksyi, who goes by the callsign "Pumba." He knows all too well the uphill battle he and his colleagues face, having lost many of his comrades since Russia's full-scale invasion began a year and a half ago.
"I lost my [squadron] leader and my wingman in combat," Pumba says. "They're both heroes of Ukraine."
The pain of losing those dear to him is a burden he still carries.
"When you see the explosion of your colleague in front of your eyes, in real time - it's a shock," he says, explaining the struggle doesn't end there.
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