Russian air defense downs own Mi-8 helicopter in Rostov region, crew killed

This was reported by the Telegram channel ASTRA, citing its own sources, according to Ukrinform.

ASTRA journalists found that the helicopter crashed into a barn belonging to a local farmer in the hamlet of Dudki in the Millerovo district. The hamlet is located about 2.5 kilometers from the Millerovo military airfield.

Local residents said that after the crash the helicopter caught fire and burned down, along with the barn. This information was also confirmed to ASTRA by sources in Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations.

They added that all three crew members were killed at the scene. No civilians were injured.

Journalists managed to reach the farmer whose barn was hit by the helicopter. He said that “everything is fine with him,” hung up, and declined further comment.

Earlier, Russian pro-war Telegram channels and local residents in chat groups reported, without details, that a Russian helicopter had been shot down in the area during air defense operations against drones. The regional governor, Yury Slyusar, did not mention the helicopter or the deaths of the three servicemen, stating only that “no civilians were injured.”

“Last night, the Rostov region came under an air attack. Several dozen UAVs were repelled in the Millerovo and Tarasovo districts. No people were injured. Information on the consequences is being clarified,” Slyusar wrote, adding only that falling drone debris partially damaged a non-residential building at a recreation facility.

As reported by Ukrinform, in December 2025, a Russian An-22 military transport aircraft crashed in Russia’s Ivanovo region.

Illustrative photo: Roman Pahutych (RFE/RL)