Russian Mi‑28 crash near Kerch Strait raises tensions
A Russian military helicopter, the Mi-28, crashed in the area of the Kerch Strait. According to the Ukrainian portal Militarnyi, the accident occurred due to the pilot losing control of the aircraft.
The helicopter was patrolling the Kerch Bridge, a vital transport route for Russian soldiers and equipment through the occupied Crimea to Ukraine.
The pilot lost control of the aircraft, which fell into the water, claims the Russian propaganda channel Fighterbomber on Telegram. As a result of the crash, one crew member has been confirmed dead, while the other remains missing.
Loss for Russians. Mi-28s protect the Crimean Bridge
According to the Ukrainian news agency UNIAN, the mission of the Mi-28s used in the area annexed by the Russian army includes, among other things, the protection of the Crimean Bridge, which Ukrainian forces may again target.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, the Crimean Bridge has become a crucial logistics route. It serves as the primary transportation corridor for troops and supplies for the Russian armed forces, which conduct attacks on Ukraine from the south.
Russian Mi-28 helicopters are also used by the Russian army to intercept Ukrainian drones.
