The Ukrainian army posted a video to Facebook showing a Russian helicopter being hit by a missile, then leaving a trail of black smoke before crashing and being engulfed in flames.
The Ukrainian government is claiming it has destroyed nearly 100 enemy aircraft and helicopters as of Sunday amid the war that broke out following Russia’s invasion 11 days ago.
“That’s how Russian invaders die! This time in a helicopter!” the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook. “Beat the pickles! Together we will win!”
Another video posted to Twitter by Defence of Ukraine showed cheering and clapping as a Russian aircraft was shot down near Chernihiv, Ukraine.
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Щойно на околицях Чернігова фахівці ППО збили ще один ворожий штурмовик! pic.twitter.com/D3yiff8uyr— Defence of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 5, 2022
There were reportedly as many as eight Russian aerial forces lost on Sunday.
In a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba pleaded for additional anti-aircraft defenses.
“It’s no secret that the highest demand that we have is in fighting jets, attack aircrafts, and air defense systems,” Kuleba said. “We need to, how to say, big air defense systems to ensure the safety of our skies. If we lose the skies, there will be much, much more blood on the ground, and that will be the blood of civilians.”
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The Ukrainian military also claimed it has inflicted losses that include 10,000 Russian personnel, 109 artillery systems, 21 anti-aircraft warfare systems, and 447 vehicles.
Ukraine’s Operational Command North posted additional photos of destroyed Russian tanks and vehicles.
“Russian equipment burned and pulled out of order, the invaders escaped. However, it will not save them: Russian enemy soldiers have no food, fuel, they are demoralized and ready to surrender,” Operational Command North wrote in what seemed to be an effort to present a strong rallying front. “Instead, Ukrainian defenders confidently hold the line of defense, ready to last stand for the protection of the region, the state and its people. Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine!”
The Ukrainian army also touted Operational Command South for shooting down four enemy helicopters in the Mykolayiv region.
“A true example of professionalism, courage and heroism! And this is another sure step to victory!” the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote.
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Ukraine’s General Staff of the Armed Forces said that Russia is placing much of its efforts around encircling the cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mykolayiv. However, it warned that Russian forces are moving south of Kyiv toward a key hydroelectric power station.
“According to available information, the occupier intends to seize another important infrastructural object — the dam of Kaniv Hydro Power Plant,” the Ukrainian army noted.
