Russian Mi-8 helicopter downed by air defense friendly fire in Rostov Oblast
A Russian Mi-8 military helicopter was shot down by Russian air defenses during a Ukrainian drone attack in Rostov Oblast overnight into Wednesday, killing all three crew members, reported the Russian Telegram channel ASTRA, designated a foreign agent by Russian authorities.
Rostov Oblast Governor Yuri Slusar confirmed that a UAV threat existed in the Millerovo and Tarasovsky districts overnight into March 4. Drone debris reportedly fell on the premises of a recreation base under construction, partially damaging buildings. He reported no other fallout.
Late on the evening of March 3, however, messages began appearing in Russian “war correspondent” Telegram channels hinting at the possible loss of an aerial asset. In particular, the Russian Telegram channel Fighterbomber, close to Russia’s air forces, also reported the loss of the helicopter crew.
The Millerovo military airfield, located in Millerovo district, is known as a regular launch site for Russian strike drones targeting Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s Air Force.
According to ASTRA, after being shot down the helicopter crashed onto a barn in the hamlet of Dudki in Rostov Oblast, several kilometers from the Millerovo airfield.
Citing local residents and sources in Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry, ASTRA reported that the helicopter caught fire after the crash and all three crew members died immediately.