Ukraine has lost several military aircraft during missions to intercept Russian jet-powered drones because of malfunctions involving aging Soviet-made missiles. Ukrainian volunteer Taras Chmut acknowledged these non-combat losses in an interview with German media.

According to Chmut, several Ukrainian planes were lost after decades-old air-to-air missiles malfunctioned during launch. He explained that some Soviet weapons dating back to the 1960s can explode as they are fired, and such incidents have already occurred.

A severe shortage of modern weapons has forced Ukrainian pilots to rely on increasingly dangerous alternatives. To intercept jet-powered drones launched by Russian forces, they use R-73 missiles alongside the considerably older R-60.

The risks go well beyond equipment failures. Chmut warned that launching outdated ammunition always carries the possibility of a malfunction, with potentially fatal consequences for pilots and other crew members. A single defective missile could result in the loss of both the aircraft and its crew.

Despite these dangers, the lack of modern weaponry leaves Ukrainian forces dependent on Soviet-era missile systems during drone interception missions.

Chmut also raised concerns about Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. He warned that widespread destruction of energy facilities could make the coming winter exceptionally difficult. In his assessment, conditions could deteriorate significantly compared with the previous winter.