Ukrainian Special Operations Forces from the elite Ballista unit have successfully destroyed a Russian Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter during a daring operation using a Bombus tactical strike drone. The mission was carried out with precise planning and flawless execution, the unit reported via its official Instagram account.
The Ka-52 helicopter, which had been attempting a combat patrol over Ukrainian fields, was unaware that a coordinated fleet of drones was already airborne. Footage released by the unit shows the moment the aircraft was shot down mid-flight. This marks yet another significant loss for Russia’s dwindling fleet of Ka-52 helicopters, each valued at around $16 million (approximately £12.6 million).
This is not the first such blow delivered by Ukrainian forces. In May of the previous year, another Ka-52 was downed, and in February, yet another was destroyed near Avdiivka in Donetsk using a man-portable air defence system. According to military analysts, Russia currently has slightly more than twenty Ka-52 helicopters still operational.
In a separate strike, Ukrainian forces launched AASM Hammer bombs in a pinpoint air attack on a Russian military gathering at a distillery in Russia’s Kursk region. These advanced bombs, known for their deadly precision, struck Russian troops who had assembled at the facility, delivering devastating effects with little warning.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian 225th Separate Assault Battalion carried out a surgical drone strike deep behind enemy lines. Using a fibre optic drone, the battalion took out a Russian tank and an armoured vehicle in what is believed to be the Kurrs district. This unit, part of the 127th Territorial Defence Brigade, was formed in March 2022 and has since become a feared offensive force.
Strikes against Russian drone bases have become increasingly common. One such operation by the Flying Skull battalion successfully targeted a Russian FPV drone base, significantly disrupting reconnaissance and attack capabilities.
In further escalation, Ukraine targeted the Muram Instrument-Making Plant in the Vladimir region with eight long-range drones. Satellite imagery confirmed the complete destruction of a storage warehouse on the site, believed to be housing ammunition capsules. This plant is a key manufacturer of ignition systems for the Russian armed forces and security agencies. The fire, which covered more than 720 square metres, broke out after one of the drones reportedly crashed due to Russian electronic warfare interference.
Separately, satellite images also confirmed damage to the Russian NPO Bazalt ammunition production plant in the Moscow region. This facility is known for producing warheads for Shahed-type drones used by the Kremlin’s forces.
Russia has responded by equipping its mobile air defence groups with advanced radar systems from the new Pantsir SMDE surface to air missile platform. Despite these efforts, visual evidence shows many such groups rely on outdated equipment and even basic small arms for protection.
Poland has announced its 47th military aid package for Ukraine worth €200 million (approximately £170 million), which will be delivered in the coming months. Negotiations are ongoing for the potential transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine. Poland is phasing out these aircraft in favour of F-16s.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated his readiness for direct talks with the Russian dictator to negotiate a ceasefire. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that only one man in Russia makes the final decision — the dictator himself — and any peace process must involve him directly. Zelensky’s call comes amid continued bloodshed and failed negotiations.
Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump once again claimed he alone could negotiate peace, suggesting his relationship with the Russian dictator could result in a swift deal. His comments come under increasing scepticism given his history of undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and praising autocrats.
