One of Russian pilots of downed warplane detained near Kharkiv

That’s according to the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, Ukrinform reports, referring to his Telegram channel.

 “The enemy pilot is the deputy commander of the aviation regiment based in Voronezh. He is one of the main participants and witnesses of the crimes committed by the Russian aggressor against the peaceful Ukrainian population. He personally made three sorties between Izium and Balaklia. The Russian pilot provided information on his coordinators and told about the criminal orders he had received," the report reads.

The pilot was transferred to one of the district police departments of Kharkiv for further investigation.

"There were two pilots operating the enemy warplane, both are alive. One is still hiding in the city. The search is underway," Syniehubov added.

As Ukrinform reported, large-scale fires broke out in 21 buildings in the central part of Kharkiv over the past 24 hours as a result of enemy airstrikes, 11 buildings were destroyed. Casualties are reported.