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Ukraine Said To Claim Attack On Murmansk Airfield, Notes Russian Helicopter Losses

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and RFE/RL's Russian Service July 27, 2024

Ukraine's military intelligence (GUR) on July 27 claimed its drones attacked the Olenya airfield in Russia's far northern Murmansk region, saying it struck a TU-22M3 strategic bomber, and said three Russian army helicopters had been destroyed in Russian territory over the previous week.

The claims appeared to be an apparent effort to demonstrate Russia's ongoing losses in the 30th month of Moscow's full-scale invasion without directly claiming responsibility in all cases.

The Ukrainians' assertions have not been confirmed by Russian officials or independent sources.

Ukraiskaya Pravda quoted an unnamed source claiming the alleged "hit" on the Olenya airfield where the bomber was located.

Separately, the GUR said in a statement that the three damaged helicopters were being used against Ukraine and Russian authorities were "trying to hide the causes and consequences of the noise and fire" that destroyed the aircraft from local residents.

They said one aircraft had burned in Samara and two others hit by fire in Tomilino near Moscow.

Ukraine's military said on July 27 that Russia had lost 326 helicopters since the start of its all-out attack.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-war- russia-aircraft/33053254.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.