The town of Dzhankoi in occupied Crimea, Ukraine, was rocked by explosions near a military airfield in the early hours of April 17. Reports from Russian-affiliated telegram channels indicated that a large-scale fire ensued at the airfield following the explosions. The Russian Navy’s Dzhankoi airbase, housing the 39th helicopter regiment of the 27th mixed aviation division, is located just outside the town, according to an online aviation database.
Among the attack helicopters flown by the regiment are the Russian Ka-52 Alligator, Mi-8, Mi-28N, and the Mi-35M. The Ka-52 Alligator is a modernized variant of Russia’s Ka-50 attack helicopter, specifically designed for destroying enemy ground targets, tanks, low-speed aerial targets, and personnel. Since the start of the full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, Russia has reportedly lost more than 300 combat helicopters, as revealed by the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces earlier this year.
In a related development, Ukrainian forces claimed to have downed a Russian Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter near Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast. The incident, revealed by Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, the commander of Ukraine’s Tavria group fighting on the southeastern front lines, occurred on Feb. 7. This event sheds light on the ongoing conflict in the region and the military engagements taking place between Ukrainian and Russian forces.
The escalation of hostilities in Ukraine continues to draw international attention as both sides engage in military confrontations, leading to significant casualties and damages. The strategic importance of locations like Dzhankoi underscores the intense nature of the conflict and the risks involved for both military personnel and civilians in the region. As the situation unfolds, the impact of these clashes reverberates not only in Ukraine but also in the broader geopolitical landscape, affecting regional stability and global dynamics.