Russia's air force has taken a beating, but its jets could still turn the tables in Ukraine, experts say

• Russia's air force has had a limited role in Ukraine, despite numerical and technological advantages.
• Russia has held its air force back largely because of Ukraine's effective air-defense network.
• If that air-defense network falters, Russian jets could still make an impact, experts say.

One of the mysteries of the Ukraine war has been the ineffectiveness of Russia's air force. Despite superior numbers and technology, Russian pilots have been surprisingly timid in pressing their attacks.