Key facts
- A Russian Mi-28 helicopter was reportedly downed by a Ukrainian drone on July 15 in Russia's Belgorod Oblast.
- Robert "Madyar" Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, claimed responsibility for the July 15 strike.
- A video was released showing a drone pursuing the helicopter before the feed cut out.
- In a separate incident on April 29, Ukrainian forces claimed to have struck two Russian helicopters, an Mi-28 and an Mi-17, at a field airstrip in Russia's Voronezh region.
- The April 29 strike was reportedly carried out by drone crews from Ukraine’s 429th “Achilles” Separate Regiment and the 43rd unit.
Robert "Madyar" Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, claimed that a Ukrainian drone downed a Russian Mi-28 helicopter on July 15 in Russia's Belgorod Oblast. Soldiers from Ukraine's 427th separate unmanned systems regiment allegedly carried out the strike. Brovdi shared a video that appeared to show a drone pursuing the helicopter before the feed was cut, claiming the aircraft fell to the ground.
The Kyiv Independent stated it could not independently verify the report. The article notes that drone strikes on helicopters were rare until recently, citing a previous unverified claim on July 31, 2024, where Russian military bloggers suggested a Ukrainian drone destroyed a Russian Mi-8 transport helicopter.
In a separate incident on April 29, Brovdi, also known as "Magyar," announced that Ukrainian drone forces successfully struck two Russian helicopters, an Mi-28 and an Mi-17, at a field landing strip in Russia's Voronezh region, approximately 150 kilometers from the front line. The helicopters were reportedly at a temporary site for refueling and maintenance. The strike was executed by joint drone crews from the 429th “Achilles” Separate Regiment and the 43rd unit, in coordination with a special operations unit. Brovdi stated that the drones targeted the engine compartments, and at least one maintenance specialist was reportedly killed. The Mi-28 is an attack helicopter, while the Mi-17 can serve as a transport or gunship.