A Russian National Guard officer caused the destruction of a Mi-8 helicopter and related equipment after ordering the burning of trash in a ditch, ignoring the fire risk.
The fire spread to dry grass and reached the aircraft parking area, destroying fuel, rescue equipment, parachuting gear, and pyrotechnic materials. The loss for the 685th Mixed Aviation Regiment was estimated at over $6.89 million.
Initially accused of abuse of authority, the case was reclassified by the court as negligence, considering the significant material damage caused. The officer admitted his guilt, was fined $4,200, and was banned from holding management positions for one year.
A civil suit filed by the military unit requesting full compensation for the damages was partially accepted, forcing Novosolov to pay $60,000. The appeals court upheld the decision, noting that with a monthly salary of $446, the officer would not have the financial means to fully reimburse the value of the destroyed helicopter.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @front_ukrainian | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
❗️A year ago, a Russian National Guard serviceman accidentally burned down an Mi-8 helicopter at the 🇷🇺Novocherkassk airfield.
According to the investigation, the officer, despite the prohibition of his superiors and the high fire hazard, ordered his subordinate to burn garbage… pic.twitter.com/9LMgVCKOkd
— 🪖MilitaryNewsUA🇺🇦 (@front_ukrainian) October 5, 2025
