Ukrainian special forces have led a covert operation behind enemy lines to destroy four Russian helicopters that were hidden for rapid deployment.
The elite military unit said on March 24, 2025, that four Russian helicopters including two Kamov Ka-52s and two Mil Mi-8s were struck by US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).
The mission was carried out in coordination with Ukraine’s military intelligence service (GRU) supported by missile and artillery teams.
“The enemy once again thought that deep in the rear it was unattainable. We have once again proven that there is nothing unattainable for the SSO,” Ukrainian special forces wrote on Telegram.
GRU said that the four helicopters had been camouflaged, with Russian forces creating a “platform for the aircraft to take off” and launch “surprise attacks” on Ukrainian soldiers.
SOF, along with the military intelligence and Rocket Forces and Artillery, struck and destroyed 4 russian helicopters – two Kamov Ka-52 and two Mil Mi-8 – behind enemy lines at russia’s hidden position for rapid redeployment or attacks against Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/57swOQxZnc
— SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES OF UKRAINE (@SOF_UKR) March 24, 2025
Ukrainian special forces described the Kamov Ka-52 an “attack helicopter that the enemy uses for reconnaissance and attacks targets on the ground.”
While the Mil Mi-8s are transport helicopters designed to reposition troops and move cargo plus support ground operations.
According to the Kyiv Independent, the hidden helicopters were positioned at the Russian rear in Belgorod Oblast, Russia.
There have been media reports that in recent days Ukrainian forces were attacking positions near the village of Demidovka in the Belgorod region and that Russian troops have been drafted into the area.
On March 24, 2025, the Ukrainian Air Force said that overnight it had shot down 57 Russian drones out of 96 deployed with 36 failing to reach their target.
Talks between representatives from the US and Russia are being held in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia on March 24, 2025, with the focus on shipping safety in the Black Sea.
On March 23, 2025, Ukrainian representatives met with the US counterparts at the same location and are scheduled to engage in further talks later today.
“We have concluded our meeting with the American team. The discussion was productive and focused — we addressed key points including energy. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s goal is to secure a just and lasting peace for our country and our people — and, by extension, for all of Europe. We are working to make that goal a reality,” the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov said on March 23, 2025.