Archive · 31 May 2025
Russian Firm Rewards Soldiers for Alleged F-16 Downing
A Russian firm gave big rewards to 12 soldiers, about $195,000 each, for allegedly shooting down a US-made F-16 fighter jet in Ukraine.
The company, Fores, made the promise back in December 2024.
The reward was given at a ceremony near the Russian-Ukrainian border.
While Russia claims their forces shot down the jet, Ukraine says it may have been an accident.
Ukraine has lost three F-16s since receiving them, attributing the losses to technical issues or emergencies.
Fores has also given millions of rubles to support the Russian military, including equipment and supplies.
A Russian firm awarded 12 soldiers $195,000 each for allegedly downing a Ukrainian F-16.
The award was given by Fores, an oil equipment company, at a ceremony near the Russian-Ukrainian border.
The reward was promised in December 2024 by Fores Director General Sergey Shmotyev.
Russian sources claim the jet was downed by an S-400 system or missile, but Ukraine disputes this.
Ukraine has attributed the loss of its F-16s to technical malfunctions or emergencies, not enemy fire.
- Who
- Fores, a Russian oil equipment firm, awarded 12 Russian soldiers.
- What
- Fores awarded 12 soldiers a large sum of money for allegedly downing a Ukrainian F-16.
- When
- The award ceremony was held on May 29, 2024; the promise was made in December 2024; incidents of downed F-16s occurred in March 2025, August 2024, April 2025, and May 16.
- Where
- The award ceremony was held near the Russian-Ukrainian border.
- Why
- Fores wanted to recognize the soldiers for their actions and contribute to the security of Russia.
Russia's Perspective
Ukraine's Perspective
Cause of F-16 Downing
Russia's Perspective
The F-16 was shot down by Russian forces using either an S-400 air defense system or an R-37 missile.
Ukraine's Perspective
The F-16 was lost due to technical issues or potentially shot down by friendly fire.
- Award Amount
- $195,000 per soldier
- Number of Soldiers
- 12
- Awarding Company
- Fores
- Location of Ceremony
- Near Russian-Ukrainian border
- Date of Promise
- December 2024
- Total Donation by Fores
- Over 237 million rubles (around $3 million)