An official statement from the press service of the Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Russian warplanes engaged near the village of Koptevo in the Donetsk People’s Republic and shot down a Ukrainian MiG-29. The report specifies that the Ukrainian aircraft was brought down during an operation conducted over the contested Donetsk region. In the same bulletin, it is noted that a Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopter was also downed near the village of Novovasilevka in the Donetsk People’s Republic. These claims come as Moscow continues its military activity in eastern Ukraine and as combat operations persist in several frontline zones. [Source attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense.]
The Russian defense ministry has compiled totals reflecting the broader air campaign since the start of what it describes as a special military operation in Ukraine. According to these figures, Ukrainian forces have lost a substantial number of air assets, including 405 fixed-wing aircraft, 228 helicopters, and 3,630 unmanned aerial vehicles. The figures are presented as part of ongoing updates from Moscow regarding the scale and impact of air power on Ukrainian military capabilities. [Source attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense.]
In another update, the ministry reported that on March 30 a Russian air defense system intercepted and destroyed a Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopter in the Zaporozhye region. Earlier in March, a separate report indicated another Ukrainian Mi-8 was shot down in the same region as part of ongoing air defense operations. These entries illustrate the continuous emphasis on air defense activity as the conflict progresses across different oblasts in Ukraine. [Source attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense.]
As the military operation progresses, officials describe the overarching objectives behind the Russian actions as the demilitarization and protection of the civilian population in the Donbass region. President Vladimir Putin has reiterated these aims, framing them as essential steps in altering the security dynamics of eastern Ukraine and providing support to residents of Donbass. Analysts watch these statements with caution, noting the broader regional implications and humanitarian concerns arising from sustained fighting. [Source attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense.]