A video posted on social media shows two Russian Mi-24/35 helicopters flying metres above the ground in Ukraine while gunfire is audible in their direction. While the first aircraft flies by unhurt, the second, partially concealed among lonely dwellings, is dragged to the ground, where it is said to have turned over before the fuel tank burst. A dense cloud of black smoke can then be seen rising over the collision scene.
The film comes after the publication of another video showing Russian planes flying dangerously close to the ground near the tiny town of Kadiivka in eastern Ukraine.
Two helicopters, a Russian Ka-52 and a Mi-35M, were seen flying past the area, although neither seemed to be shot down.
According to reports, flying near to the ground is utilised to make it more difficult for opposing forces to correctly shot at the aircraft.
The strategy allows the helicopter to go faster in comparison to the shooters on the ground, while also providing cover behind buildings and trees.
According to the most recent numbers given by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, at least 81 Russian planes have been shot down since the war began in February.
Ukraine reports that nearly 12,000 Russian soldiers have been killed, with at least 200 taken as prisoners of war.
However, considering that the most recent data was issued at the beginning of the month, those statistics are likely to be higher.
According to reports, senior Russian military leaders expected the invasion to be quick, but soldiers have encountered significant opposition in Ukraine.
As the war approaches its 34th day, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense stated that Russian soldiers have been driven back farther from regions surrounding Kyiv.
“Ukrainian troops have continued to launch limited counter assaults to the northwest of Kyiv, particularly at Irpen, Bucha, and Hostomel,” the ministry said in a statement.
“These strikes were somewhat successful, and the Russians were forced back from a number of places.”
However, they emphasised that Russian forces continue to represent a “serious threat” due to their striking capacity.
According to the United Nations human rights office, the increased use of explosive weapons with a large effect area has resulted in the deaths of over a thousand people in Ukraine.
