Moscow (Agencies): Russian President Vladimir Putin narrowly avoided a Ukrainian drone attack while traveling in his official helicopter, the Mil Mi-8, over Russia’s Kursk Region, according to military officials. The attack, described as unprecedented, occurred on May 20, during Putin’s rare visit near the war zone. Major-General Yuri Dashkin, commander of an air defense unit, revealed that 46 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones were launched in a coordinated assault as Putin’s aircraft entered the area.

Dashkin stated that the intensity of the attack increased significantly during Putin’s flight, requiring Russian air defense forces to conduct simultaneous countermeasures while ensuring the security of the president’s helicopter. The mission was successfully executed, with all enemy drones intercepted before they could reach their targets.

Putin’s Mil Mi-8 helicopter is part of the Special Flight Detachment “Rossiya”, responsible for transporting top Russian officials. This VIP transport variant features reinforced armor, advanced electronic countermeasures, and state-of-the-art defense systems designed to counter aerial threats such as drone attacks. The Mi-8 is one of the most widely used military helicopters, serving in roles including troop transport, electronic warfare, and combat operations.

Further reports indicate that the attack also occurred near Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea, This incident marks an escalation in Ukraine’s drone warfare tactics, targeting Russian air assets both in Kursk Region and Crimea.

Ukraine has dramatically intensified drone strikes inside Russian territory in recent days. Moscow’s Foreign Ministry reported that 764 Ukrainian drones had been intercepted between Tuesday and Friday, with hundreds more destroyed over the weekend. Russian officials claim that Western nations, including the UK, France, and Germany, are backing Kyiv’s drone campaigns, prolonging the conflict.

Military analysts suggest the drone strike may have been an attempt to disrupt Russian operations or a psychological strategy by Ukraine. As the conflict escalates, unmanned aerial warfare continues to play a crucial role in military tactics on both sides.

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