Ukrainian military forces successfully targeted and destroyed a Russian Ka-27 helicopter on one of the Boyko Towers in the Black Sea. The incident occurred during the night of March 5, complicating any potential evacuation for remaining Russian personnel.
According to military spokesperson Andriy Pletenchuk, Ukrainian naval forces, in collaboration with special operations units, anticipated the use of the Ka-27 by Russian troops. The helicopter was likely intended for evacuating wounded soldiers or delivering ammunition, which ultimately led to its engagement.
Pletenchuk noted that the helicopter was struck by both aerial and naval drones. The operation took place on a gas extraction platform where Russian forces have been known to conduct reconnaissance and other operations, posing a threat to Ukrainian defenders and civilian maritime safety.
He stated, “We periodically drive them out from there. However, this time the situation unfolded more dramatically for them. Now, even if someone remains on one of these platforms, they will face significant delays in evacuation due to the presence of the destroyed helicopter on the site.”
Further details from the Ukrainian Navy revealed that the military operation targeted Russian units stationed at the Sivash drilling platform. This location was reportedly used by Russian forces for surveillance, communication relay, and housing electronic warfare and air defense systems. Additionally, it served as a base for directing drone strikes against infrastructure in the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions.
The Ukrainian Navy confirmed that the operation resulted in significant damage to Russian command and communication capabilities, as well as considerable personnel losses. The Ka-27 helicopter was destroyed while attempting to land on the drilling platform.
Ukrainian forces have effectively neutralized a Russian Ka-27 helicopter in a strategic operation in the Black Sea, complicating evacuation efforts for any remaining personnel. The incident highlights ongoing military engagements on gas extraction platforms, which serve as operational bases for Russian forces.