Ukrainian defense forces are said to have destroyed two Russian military helicopters — one Mil Mi-8 and one Kamov Ka-52 Alligator — during an attack drone operation in the Oryol region of the Russian Federation.
The information was published by the Telegram channel “Spy Dossier” (@dosye_shpiona) and relayed by the Ukrainian portal Militarnyi. According to the report, the attacks took place on the night of Friday 20 February 2026.
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The Pugachevka airport is said to have been the target
According to the published information, the aircraft were parked at the Pugachevka airport, near the village of Pugachivka in the Oryol region. It concerns a small, unpaved runway belonging to the Oryol flying club under DOSAAF (The Voluntary Organization for the Support of the Army, Aviation and Navy of Russia).
There are indications that the site was used as an operational airfield for a combined helicopter detachment, possibly used to intercept Ukrainian long-range UAVs.
According to the published data:
The Mi-8 helicopter with tail number 53 belonged to the 319th Independent Helicopter Regiment, based in Chernigovka in Primorskij kraj in the Russian Far East.
The Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter with tail number 18 was attached to the 16th Army Aviation Brigade, stationed in Zernograd in the Rostov Region.
There is currently no official confirmation from the Russian Ministry of Defense about the alleged destruction of the aircraft.
Operational significance
The Mi-8 is largely used for troop transport, medical evacuation and logistical missions, while the Ka-52 is one of the most important attack helicopters in the Russian Army Air Forces, used for close support and anti-tank missions.
If the destruction is confirmed, the simultaneous loss of these platforms on Russian territory would represent yet another example of the extended reach of Ukrainian drone operations, which have hit logistical targets and air bases behind the front lines.
Source and images: Militarnyi | Telegram @dosye_shpiona | Wikimedia. The content is produced with support from AI and reviewed by the editors.
