Ukraine troops down four Russian helicopters in 18 minutes: air force

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Ukrainian military officials claimed Wednesday that they took down four Russian helicopters within a span of 18 minutes.

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Both the Ministry of Defence and Air Force reported the attacks on social media.

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“From 08:40 to 08:58 on October 12, anti-aircraft missile units of the Air Force destroyed at least four enemy attack helicopters (probably Ka-52s), which were providing fire support to the ground occupation forces in the southern direction,” the air force wrote on Telegram, according to a translation.

The statement notes that the attacks took place in southern Ukraine but gives no specific location.

According to reports, one of the four choppers crashed on liberated land while three fell behind Russia’s frontlines.

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The downing of the helicopters, which are thought to be a two-seat variant of the Soviet-era Ka-50 attack chopper, was partially confirmed by Pro-Russian Telegram accounts, Newsweek found.

The country’s Defence Ministry welcomed news of the successful attack, calling it a “productive morning.”

“Productive morning, Ukrainian style. Today, in just 18 minutes, service members of #UAarmy shot down 4 Russian helicopters that were spoiling beautiful autumn skies in the south of Ukraine,” the post said.

“No place for Alligators here. The local climate is hostile towards them,” it added, referring to the Ka-52’s nickname.

The air force also added that two more Russian helicopters were fired upon, “so there is a high probability that the number of confirmed downed helicopters will increase.”

Before this latest destruction, Ukraine says Russia has lost 268 aircraft since the war began in February, including 235 helicopters.