Russia claims it has destroyed Ukrainian positions and armored vehicles using combat helicopters.

The images purport to show a Russian helicopter being prepared for takeoff before it can be seen taking to the skies.

The footage then shows at least two Russian helicopters flying low over countryside before apparently opening fire on Ukrainian targets.

The images then show at least one Russian helicopter coming into land as the footage ends.

The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defense on Thursday, September 14, along with a statement claiming: 'The crews of multi-purpose attack helicopters of the Army Aviation of the Western Military District (WMD) have destroyed the enemy's strongholds and armored vehicles.

'During the special military operation, the crews of Army Aviation helicopters continue to carry out tasks related to the destruction of enemy armored vehicles and military infrastructure facilities, escorting military columns, delivering troops, military cargo, and providing air support to units. All flights are conducted at extremely low altitudes.

'Requests for support from Russian motorized infantry or tank crews on the frontlines come in multiple times during the day and night shifts.

'While some crews are returning from their combat missions, others are already preparing for takeoff. The airfield operates non-stop in takeoff and landing mode. Each combat mission is preceded by meticulous pre-flight preparation.

'The crews of Army Aviation helicopters in the WMD operate as part of mixed groups. They perform various types of tasks - combat, rescue, or humanitarian - flying different types of helicopters.

'Mixed strike groups of Army Aviation units continue to successfully destroy enemy strongholds, concentrations of enemy forces and equipment, as well as enemy ammunition and fuel depots.

'Helicopter crews work in shifts, conducting sometimes 4-5 combat sorties in a shift, both during the day and at night.

'The main striking force of the group consists of Ka-52 'Alligator' or Mi-28 'Night Hunter' helicopters. Mi-35 helicopters follow as the second echelon. They also engage designated targets with unguided aviation missiles, in addition to providing cover for the main strike force.

'In addition, the group includes crews of transport-combat helicopters Mi-8 with a fire support group on board. Their task is to evacuate crew members, onboard documentation, and equipment of the attack helicopters in case of emergencies.

'During combat sorties, Army Aviation pilots launched missiles at identified fortified positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

'As a result of the combat use, command posts, tanks, and other armored vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were destroyed.

'The helicopters moved in a dispersed combat formation to ensure freedom of maneuver and piloting, and the formation changed during flight.

'The mission was accomplished, with the missiles hitting their targets accurately.

'Each flight to the combat zone and the return route to the base is unique and not repeated. Navigators work on more than fifty different routes in a month. Pilots say that in such helicopter acrobatics, there is always a high degree of improvisation. Each combat sortie is unique. Using reconnaissance data, the crews change their routes each time. They appear unexpectedly, strike, and then disappear into thin air.

'While some Army Aviation crews are returning from their combat missions, others are already preparing for takeoff. The airfield operates in a non-stop 'takeoff-landing' mode. Each combat mission is preceded by meticulous pre-flight preparation.

'To cope with anxiety and tension, the pilots are helped by thoughts of home, prayers from their loved ones and relatives.'


Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, in what the Kremlin is still calling a 'special military operation.'