Mi-35M helicopter destroys AFU stronghold in Kursk border region

An army aviation crew on an Mi-35M helicopter has eliminated a manpower and a stronghold of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in a border area of Kursk Region. This was reported in the Russian Defense Ministry on February 19.

"The pilots of the army aviation performed missile launches according to the coordinates of the aviation spotter and destroyed a stronghold and personnel of the AFU," the ministry said in a statement.

It specified that this was done as part of a combat mission to support units of the "North" troop grouping of the Russian Armed Forces (AF).

Having struck, the pilots conducted anti-missile maneuvering at extremely low altitude and shot off heat traps. This was necessary to protect themselves from being hit by enemy man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) shells.

A forward air gunner confirmed that the AFU's manpower and personnel were destroyed.

Roads to Home: Who and Why Goes to Territorial Defense in Kursk Region

Izvestia's special report on the motivation of volunteers, their contribution to the common victory and plans for a peaceful life

Earlier in the day, the Russian Defense Ministry showed footage of combat operations by the crew of the Su-34 multirole supersonic fighter-bomber of the Russian Air and Space Forces (AFS). The aircraft struck at AFU manpower and equipment concentrations in the Kursk border area on reconnaissance targets, using aerial bombs with a universal planning and correction module.