The Russian military raises MiG-31 aircraft to test Ukrainian air defences, train its aircrew and harass Ukrainians psychologically, Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat has told the news telethon.
"First of all, flights are still associated with training of the flight crew, with access to launch areas, and thus, training of pilots is a continuous process and it always lasts, and even more so in the conditions of hostilities. In addition, air raids, which constantly irritate people in Ukraine, affect our economy and our psychological state, the enemy understands this perfectly well," Ihnat said.
According to him, the Russians are also raising planes to check Ukrainian air defences.
"They fly up deep in the Russian rear. I think they need that Savasleyka airfield to fly closer to check the air defences," he said.
On 25 August, air alert was declared in Ukraine six times.