The seized MiG-29 fighter jet (bort number 85 Blue) of the Ukrainian Air Force has been accepted for Russian service, the local media reported on 20 February.
According to several media reports, a number of seized Ukrainian combat aircraft, included MiG-29 fighter jet and L-39 trainer, have been accepted for service by the Russian Air Force.
The image of seized Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet with Russian Military Air Force red-white-blue roundel was first reported in MilitaryAviation.in.UA.
For reference, Russia has seized more than a hundred advanced Ukrainian combat aircraft during the annexation of Crimean Peninsula.
In 2014 Russian regular troops have surrounded and seized Belbek base and warplanes after Ukrainian servicemen inside refused to lay arms and leave the base. The compound contained barracks, arms depots and a command building. It was the last major facility to be seized by Russian forces and had endured a tense blockade for more than a week.
Russian troops have taken over control of Crimea following the overthrow of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. The Kremlin said it acted to protect its “compatriots” in Crimea from supposedly “fascists” moving in from the mainland Ukraine.