Berdyansk and Luhansk, Ukraine “destroys Russian helicopters”

In an airstrike on two locations in the eastern part of the country that Russia has controlled, Ukraine claims to have destroyed nine Russian helicopters.

In the cities of Berdyansk and Luhansk, an air defence system, other machinery, and a weapons dump were reportedly hit, according to a statement from the special forces.

The action also resulted in the deaths or injuries of dozens of Russian soldiers.

Neither an independent confirmation of the attack nor a statement from the Russian military have been made.

The air defence systems “successfully intercepted enemy rockets” above Berdyansk, according to Vladimir Rogov, the Russian-appointed governor of the province of Zaporizhzhia that is under occupation. Rogov said that information regarding injuries and damage was being examined and would be released later.

Unverified footage on a pro-Russian social media account, however, claims to show explosions and rockets flying while a voiceover reports that an ammo dump has been hit. The video is reported to have been shot in Berdyansk.

Another Russian blogger detailed how US-made ATACMS rockets were used in a strike on an airstrip, dealing what the author called a “serious blow” and damaging both persons and technology.

Although there was discussion of the US sending long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in September, these weapons were not included in the $325 million (£266 million) list of military aid to Kiev that month.

Social media images imply that Ukraine may have these weapons. The BBC has not independently confirmed photographs that have surfaced online that purport to show ATACMS debris near the airstrip.

READ ALSO: 30 Russian drones, according to Ukraine, were shot down

They suggest that the early MGM-140A model, a shorter-range member of the family of weapons with a striking range of roughly 100 miles (160 km), is what the ATACMS missile is.

The contract number inscribed on the side specifically alludes to a contract for missiles due for completion in 1997.

Any of the ATACMS systems in Ukraine would unquestionably greatly improve that nation’s capacity to launch attacks deeper into Russian-controlled territory.

Since the start of the conflict, Kyiv has requested such weapons, but Washington has never made a public announcement because of its concern over an escalation.

The attack on Berdyansk took place at 4:00 local time (01:00 GMT), according to the Ukrainian military, then on Luhansk at 11:00 local time.

The distance between Berdyansk and the closest front line is about 85 km (53 miles), but Luhansk is about 100 km away.

There have been reports of clashes along the front line, particularly near the Ukrainian-held towns of Avdiivka, Kupyansk, and Lyman, which have recently been subjected to severe Russian artillery fire.

Two persons are reportedly trapped in the wreckage of a dormitory building that was demolished in a Russian attack on the eastern city of Slovyansk, according to the emergency services of Ukraine.

Authorities in Odesa said that while debris from downed Russian drones damaged a yacht club and several yachts, no injuries were reported.

Through a significant counteroffensive, Ukraine has been attempting to retake territory that Russia has taken over in the east and south of the nation, but success has been sluggish so far.

In an effort to hinder Moscow’s military operations, it has also frequently attacked Russian sites from the air.

Along with attacking Ukrainian forces in the east around Avdiivka and Kupyansk, Russia has recently sustained significant fatalities, according to Ukrainian accounts.

BBC