In a first-ever strike, a Ukrainian sea drone shoots down a Russian helicopter using an anti-air missile  

AI

**Ukraine Destroys Helicopter with New Drone**

Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) has destroyed a Russian helicopter using a Ukrainian-made drone for the first time. The attack took place the , off the coast of .

The special unit Group 13 launched SeeDragon missiles from the naval strike drone. They downed one helicopter and hit another, which was able fly back to its airbase. A video shows the moment the missiles locked onto the helicopter before it exploded and crashed into the sea.

**Ukraine’s New Drone Capabilities**

The Magura drone has been used by Ukraine to attack dozens of Russian ships in the Black Sea this year. It can cover a distance of over 800 kilometers, reach speeds of up to 80 km/h, and carry a 250-kilogram warhead. Each drone costs around $240,000.

**Other News**

* An oil depot in Russia’s Smolensk region caught fire after a overnight on December 31.
* allies met to discuss security concerns in the Baltic Sea, following damage to undersea cables connecting Estonia and Finland.
* Ukraine will quadruple tariffs for domestic customers starting January 1, when a deal to transport Russian gas through Ukrainian pipes expires.

**Key Developments**

* Ukraine’s exports grew by over 13% last year, mainly due to stabilizing seaport operations.
* President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed a new military ombudsman, Olha Reshetylova.
* Ukraine’s Foreign expressed Kyiv’s position on Russia’s military presence in Syria during a diplomatic visit to Damascus.

Read More @ kyivindependent.com

Share This Article
Leave a Comment