Russian Defense Ministry Reports Interceptions and Shoot-Downs in Donetsk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that air defense systems were engaged against Ukrainian aircraft over the Donetsk region, with a Mi-8 helicopter reportedly shot down near the village of Dimitrov in the Donetsk People’s Republic. The announcement was presented to reporters by the ministry, outlining the events of the day and the claimed outcomes of protection and counterattack efforts. The ministry stated that six HIMARS multiple rocket launchers were intercepted and twelve Ukrainian drones were destroyed as part of ongoing air defense and countermeasures. These claims reflect the ongoing tactical narratives described by Moscow regarding recent aerial and drone activity in the region. Attribution for these statements is listed to the Russian Defense Ministry as the source of the reported results in these incidents.