Russian Mi-28N Night Hunter helicopters advanced toward Donetsk, engaging Ukrainian military positions and manpower as part of a coordinated operation reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense through its information channels. The ministry described the action as a part of a broader aerial effort in the Donetsk direction, where army aviation crews deployed Mi-28N aircraft as a dedicated attack group against defined enemy strongholds and personnel.
Following takeoff, the helicopters reportedly entered airspace at very low altitude, a tactic aimed at limiting exposure to early warning systems. Navigators aboard the Mi-28N were said to guide the craft toward identified targets, with airframe crews releasing unguided missiles from the firing position. After the strike, the helicopters executed anti-missile maneuvering and altered course, moving away from the area of operation to reduce exposure to potential retaliation.
Earlier reports indicated that Russian air defense forces claimed the downing of two Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jets and an Mi-8 helicopter belonging to the Ukrainian Air Force, a development cited by official sources in connection with ongoing air operations. The communications referenced by officials also noted that the Ukrainian air capabilities faced significant pressure during the recent engagements, with Russian air defense and tactical aviation contributing to the protective and offensive activities in the region.
Additionally, sources referenced in the same disclosures suggested that future air combat dynamics in the area could evolve, with certain fighter deployment considerations being discussed in assessments of potential developments for 2025. These projections underscore the rapidly changing nature of aerial warfare in the Donetsk direction, where both sides continue to adapt their strategies and capabilities in response to evolving conditions on the ground and in the air.