Ukraine’s defense forces reportedly destroyed two Russian military helicopters — a Mil Mi-8 and a Kamov Ka-52 Alligator — during a drone strike operation in Russia’s Oryol region.
The information was shared by the Telegram channel “Spy Dossier” (@dosye_shpiona) and later reported by the Ukrainian outlet Militarnyi. According to the report, the strikes took place on the night of Friday, February 20, 2026.
Pugachevka airfield reportedly targeted
According to published details, the helicopters were parked at the Pugachevka airfield, near the village of Pugachivka in the Oryol region. The site is described as a small unpaved runway belonging to the Oryol Flying Club of DOSAAF (Voluntary Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation and Navy of Russia).
There are indications that the location had been used as an operational airfield for a combined helicopter detachment, possibly tasked with intercepting long-range Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
According to the released data:
The Mi-8 helicopter, tail number 53, reportedly belonged to the 319th Separate Helicopter Regiment, based in Chernigovka in Primorsky Krai, in Russia’s Far East.
The Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter, tail number 18, was allegedly assigned to the 16th Army Aviation Brigade, headquartered in Zernograd, Rostov region.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Russia’s Ministry of Defense regarding the alleged destruction of the aircraft.
Operational impact
The Mi-8 is widely used for troop transport, medical evacuation, and logistical missions, while the Ka-52 is one of the primary attack helicopters in Russian Army aviation, employed for close air support and anti-armor operations.
If confirmed, the simultaneous destruction of these platforms on Russian territory would mark another episode in the expanding reach of Ukrainian drone operations, which have increasingly targeted logistical assets and airbases beyond the immediate front line.
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Source and images: Militarnyi | Telegram @dosye_shpiona | Wikimedia. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
