Ukraine strikes back: $16M Russian helicopter downed, critical facilities hit
10:51 AM EDT, May 13, 2024
The Ukrainian 47th Independent Mechanized Brigade has announced that it downed a Russian Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance-strike helicopter, valued at $16 million, on the front lines. The defenders successfully brought the aircraft down.
On Monday, a statement on Telegram reported that the 47th Independent Mechanized Brigade had successfully grounded a Russian Ka-52 Alligator helicopter valued at $16 million.
The Brigade's rocket and artillery division shot down the helicopter. However, no specific details were provided regarding the time and location of the event.
SBU drones reportedly target a refinery and an electrical substation in Russia
Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported on Monday that drones, operated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), targeted a fuel facility in Russia's Belgorod region and an electrical substation in the Lipetsk region.
"SBU drones were notably active last night in the Lipetsk and Belgorod regions. Consequently, fires broke out at the Oskolneftesupply's oil storage facilities near Stary Oskol and at the Yeleckaya substation, which has a 500 kV capacity," a source from the agency disclosed.
According to the source, Russian social networks were abuzz with reports of loud explosions near the oil depot in the Belgorod region. Additionally, the governor of the Lipetsk region confirmed the substation blaze.
The substation Yeleckaya mentioned is crucial as it supplies power to the Russian railways and the Stanova oil pumping station and facilitates transit between the energy systems of Lipetsk, Oryol, and Bryansk.
"Targeting the Russian industry that fuels the war against Ukraine remains a legitimate goal for the SBU. We will persist in diminishing the enemy's military capabilities," declared the agency's source.
The Russian Ministry of Defense acknowledged on Monday morning that Ukrainian forces had targeted facilities within Russian territory. They accused the "Kyiv regime" of attempting "terrorist attacks with drone aircraft and Storm Shadow air missiles.
Russia claims to have intercepted 12 Olkha missiles and 12 drones in the Belgorod region, eight drones in the Kursk region, four maneuvering Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and seven drones over the occupied Crimea. Reportedly, an additional four drones were neutralized over the Lipetsk region.
