Ukrainian Attacks Destroy Russian Helicopters

Ukrainian Military/PHOTO via Instagram @uaf_general_staff

JAKARTA - Ukrainian military intelligence said one of its naval drones destroyed Russian helicopters.

In a battle near Tanjung Tarkhukuat on Crimea's west coast on Tuesday, December 31, a Magura V5 maritime drone equipped with a missile hit a Russian Mi-8 helicopter.

GUR said this was the first time Ukrainian naval drones had shot down air targets.

There has been no comment from Moscow on the helicopter. The Russian Ministry of Defense said via Telegram its Black Sea Fleet destroyed eight unmanned drone ships.

Reported by Reuters, the crash of a Russian helicopter by a Ukrainian naval drone was also reported by Russia's leading military blogger, VoENNY Osvedomitel.

GUR said the second Russian helicopter managed to reach the airfield after being damaged by the attack.

In the recording released by GUR, helicopters flying over the water were seen being targeted by several projectiles. The plane was videoed down after the attack.

Following Russia's massive invasion in February 2022, Ukraine is increasing drone production and developing naval attack drones.

The Kyiv military used maritime drones to attack Russian warships and facilities on the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow captured and annexed in 2014.

Strikes of drones and naval missiles are said to have caused severe damage to Russia's main naval base in Sevastopol and its Black Sea Fleet.