How Did the Russians Respond to the Ukrainians?

The Ukrainians knew they were out-sticked, as you'd say, in the flying world. The Russians have put most of their technology and capability into one task: counter-air defence. And so it makes sense that where the VKS was more effective I would say in terms of air-to-air capability, which is proven in this conflict. But there's another aspect to this as well, which is that the Russians really prioritise enemy air defences as their primary mission. We never want our forces to be fighting against a force that isn't trying to defend itself.