These images purport to show Russian Ka-52 ‘Alligator’ attack helicopters firing unguided missiles at a Ukrainian military position in the Donetsk Region.
The footage shows a Russian soldier loading the missiles into the Ka-52 helicopter before it takes off.
The video then shows the helicopters flying low over the countryside before one unleashes unguided aircraft missiles at unseen targets.
The helicopters are later seen coming in to land back at base as the footage ends.
The images were obtained by Newsflash from the Russian Ministry of Defence on Friday, 5th January, along with a statement saying: “Army aviation crews on Ka-52M helicopters, as part of a strike group, carried out an attack with unguided aircraft missiles on enemy strongholds and manpower in the Donetsk direction in the Northern Military District zone.
“In an ongoing combat mission, army aviation pilots are targeting and destroying the control centre and armoured vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces by launching missiles at the coordinates of the aircraft gunner, raising significant concerns about the escalation of conflict and potential consequences in the region.”
One of the pilots, code-named ‘TALENT’, added: “We have now completed a flight as part of a strike group of Ka-52, Mi-28, Mi-8 helicopters.
“An air strike was carried out on an enemy platoon stronghold in order to support the advance of ground forces.
“They used unguided aircraft rockets from a pitching position. After the strike, we retreated and returned to the departure airfield.
Russia Says It Took Out Ukrainian Tank With Ka-52 Attack Helicopter
We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation.” Today marks the 681st day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 5th January 2024. Russia had lost approximately 363,070 personnel, 6,011 tanks, 11,142 armoured combat vehicles, 8,604 artillery units, 949 multiple launch rocket systems, 631 air defence systems, 329 warplanes, 324 helicopters, 6,771 drones, 1,786 cruise missiles, 23 warships, 1 submarine, 11,463 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,313 units of special equipment.
The US White House reported that Russia deployed North Korean missiles for recent 900km attacks on Ukraine. National Security Council’s John Kirby has expressed concern over two missile strikes in the past week.
Ukraine has urged Western allies, including Germany, for missile support amid Russian attacks. Emphasising the need for Taurus missiles to match long-range capabilities and target strategic Russian sites.
The US and its allies addressed the UN Security Council on Russia’s use of North Korean missiles, citing violation of UN sanctions.
National Security Council’s Kirby labelled it a “significant escalation” in North Korea’s support for Russia.
The UK strongly condemned the action, deeming it symptomatic of Russia’s isolation and desperation on the world stage.
Russia Says Its Ka-52 Attack Helicopters Destroyed Ukrainian Armoured Vehicles
Ukraine has targeted Russian military units in Crimea; the Ukrainian Air Force commander praised a successful operation near Yevpatoria. Russia’s Defence Ministry claims they have downed Ukrainian missiles over the peninsula.
Ukraine’s military intelligence has released a video allegedly depicting a Russian Su-34 fighter jet ablaze at an airbase in Russia, but has not claimed responsibility, citing ongoing investigation into the causes of the incident.
Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin, in collaboration with the International Criminal Court, visited sites of Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure in the Kharkiv region.
Last week’s Russian missile strike in Kyiv claimed 32 lives, marking the deadliest attack on the Ukrainian capital since the start of the war, as reported by authorities on Thursday.
Polish farmers resumed blocking the Medyka border crossing with Ukraine, aiming to secure government subsidies for corn and prevent tax hikes, according to Polsat News.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg is to host a meeting on 10th January between NATO diplomats and Ukrainian officials in response to the recent surge in intense Russian airstrikes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree granting Russian citizenship to foreign nationals fighting for Russia in Ukraine and their families.
