Will Russia shoot down an F-16 over Ukraine before the end of 2025?
85
Ṁ9954
2026
75%
chance

This market resolves to "Yes" if Russia shoots down an F-16 fighter jet over Ukraine before 11:59 PM ET on December 31, 2025. The incident must involve an internationally recognized F-16 fighter jet being shot down while it is in the airspace of Ukraine, as recognized by international law and the majority of the United Nations member states.

  1. Definition of Event:

    • An F-16 fighter jet must be confirmed to be shot down by Russian military forces.

    • The F-16 must be airborne and within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine at the time of the incident.

    • If the F-16 is hit by a drone, another aircraft, or any means other than being shot down by Russian forces, it does not count towards this resolution.

  2. Source of Confirmation:

    • The downing of the F-16 must be reported and verified by credible sources, including but not limited to international news agencies (e.g., Reuters, Associated Press, BBC), official statements from NATO, the Ukrainian government, and independent military analysts.

    • The resolution of this market will be based on reports from at least two independent, internationally recognized news sources or an official statement from a recognized international organization.

  3. Geographical Scope:

    • The incident must occur within the borders of Ukraine as recognized by the majority of United Nations member states. This includes areas internationally acknowledged as Ukrainian territory, excluding regions under dispute or annexation.

    • If the plane is shot down over Ukraine airspace and lands outside the border of Ukraine, will still resolve "Yes."

  4. Final Determination:

    • In the event of conflicting reports, the resolution will be based on the preponderance of evidence from credible sources.

    • The final decision will be made by the market operator, who will ensure all criteria are met and verify the authenticity and credibility of the information.

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The plot thickens!

https://xcancel.com/laraseligman/status/1831831405476901196#m

I pulled out of this market a while ago, but my two cents:

If the F-16 is hit by a drone, another aircraft, or any means other than being shot down by Russian forces, it does not count towards this resolution.

IF this is confirmed by valid sources, my reading of the description is that this wouldn't be enough to resolve YES, since maneuvering around- or being struck by a blast from a surface-targeting weapon is closer to being (unintentionally) hit by a russian drone or other aircraft than it is to an intentional shoot-down.

bought Ṁ1,332 YES

Hmm, I thought this was a YES at first, but it's not clear exactly how the aircraft was destroyed.

bought Ṁ50 NO

@TimothyJohnson5c16 Seems likely it was shot down by friendly fire. Someone should make a market on this.

@nikstar Ukraine is claiming friendly fire -- I've seen Russian sources speculate otherwise but seems unlikely they would say publicly

Early reports that an F-16 crashed on Monday. Cause unknown, expecting to hear more in coming hours. https://liveuamap.com/en/2024/29-august-general-staff-of-armed-forces-of-ukraine-during

sold Ṁ52 YES
bought Ṁ500 YES

"Ukraine" as internationally recognized Ukraine, right? (2013 borders)

This might be a dumb question, but does "over" mean it has to be flying? What if it's parked at a Ukraine air base?

@mint I know it's up to the creator, but I'd just like to say that it wouldn't be a reasonable interpretation of English to say that a parked fighter jet has been "shot down"