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Ukrainian drones have reportedly destroyed two Russian Mi-8 helicopters and a tugboat, according to Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR). The strikes took place on a military base in Crimea and near Sevastopol Bay. A Russian tugboat was also hit during the attacks. Newsweek has contacted the Russian defense ministry for comment.
The GUR released video footage of the purported strikes, showing the destruction of helicopters at an airbase around eight miles from Simferopol, the second-largest city on the peninsula. The Mi-8 is a multi-role Soviet-designed helicopter used by Russian forces for troop movement, cargo delivery, medical evacuation, and combat missions.
Ukraine’s military intelligence stated that the destroyed helicopters were worth between $20 million and $30 million. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Moscow’s forces have lost a total of 159 helicopters, according to Oryx, a website tracking such losses.
Additionally, Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a Russian S-300 air defense system radar at Crimea’s Saky airfield. The S-300 is a key component of Russia’s layered air defense and provides early warning, target tracking, and guidance for interceptors.
Ukraine’s GUR agency stated: “Two enemy Mi-8 helicopters were successfully hit. The estimated cost of the disabled helicopters is between $20 million and $30 million. A grim end also befell the tugboat Buk-2190 in Sevastopol Bay—during an air attack against Russian forces on the peninsula—the demilitarization of temporarily occupied Crimea continues!”
These strikes demonstrate Ukraine’s growing drone capabilities and show that Russian aircraft remain vulnerable to such attacks. As Ukraine vows to reclaim Crimea, further attacks are likely.
In summary, Ukrainian drones have struck two Mi-8 helicopters and a tugboat in Crimea, significantly impacting Russia’s military infrastructure on the peninsula.
