The video earlier circulated on social media, prompting speculation about whether it was authentic. “This is not AI-generated footage," Air Force wrote. "This is a real Ukrainian pilot flying an F-16 and destroying an enemy Shahed drone over Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces have launched a counter-offensive on the eastern front line after Russian forces were blocked from using Elon Musk’s Starlink terminals.

No ⁠strikes ⁠were immediately reported ⁠by authorities across Ukraine.