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Russia's Su-34 Fighter Bomber Gives Ukraine Nightmares Ahead of Winter

© Sputnik / Maksim BlinovSu-34
Su-34 - Sputnik India, 1920, 29.09.2023
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With the Pentagon publicly admitting that the US is running out of funds for Ukraine's military effort against Russia, the upcoming winter months could bring a decisive victory for Moscow.
The deployment of the Su-34 Fullback fighter bomber by the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) in the special military operation is being touted as the game-changer in the conflict. Experts forecast that the jet may wreak havoc on Ukrainian forces to an extent that could result in the conclusion of the special operation in the Eurasian nation's favor.

Even though Russia's MiG-31 and Su-35 have been highly effective in terrorizing Ukraine's air defenses and soldiers on the ground, the Su-34 has hogged all the attention in recent weeks since it was pressed into service to carry out air-to-air strikes and ground attacks.

Su-34 Bombers Are Kiev's Fear No.1

Some independent aviation observers have even labeled the Su-34s as enemy No.1 for Ukraine's forces, while others have given them the acronym, Kiev's "real nemesis".
The Su-34 bombers that come under the direct command of Russia's Central Military District recently launched air strikes against Ukraine's command centers, drone control facilities, observation posts, and armored vehicles in the direction of Krasnolimansk in the Donetsk People's Republic.
The bombers' success has reportedly sent a chill through the spines of the Ukrainian forces. Chinese strategic affairs experts predict that it will become much harder for the East European country's troops to tackle this challenge, especially in the frosty winter months.
Su-34 - Sputnik India, 1920, 29.09.2023
Su-34

Long-Range Missiles Add More Teeth to Su-34 Warplanes

Song Bo, a columnist for the China National Radio (CNR), points out that the lethality of the Su-34 bombers has been enhanced after the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) added long-range cruise missiles to their arsenal.

"The Su-34 becomes the world's first fighter-bomber capable of launching strategic ammunition," Song stated.

On the other hand, Chinese military pundit Shao Yongling stressed that by equipping the Su-34 with long-range cruise missiles, Russia's capacity to hit deep inside enemy territory and aim for multiple targets at the same time has received a tremendous boost.

Russia to Intensify Attacks During Winter

"The steps taken by Russia aim to increase pressure on the enemy’s air defense. Moscow may increase the intensity of attacks on the enemy's infrastructure in the fall and winter," Shao noted.

If Russia does launch an all-out onslaught on Ukrainian forces as forecast by Chinese analysts this winter, it would be reminiscent of its wide-ranging operation last year, when it destroyed large parts of the country's energy sector, resulting in an acute shortage of water and heating services.
Kinzhal-armed MiG-31s during their flight past the Kremlin amid the repetition for the upcoming Victory Parade, May 4, 2020. - Sputnik India, 1920, 28.09.2023
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