Russian Mi‑28 crash casts doubt on Crimean Bridge security
A Russian military helicopter, the Mi-28, crashed in the area of the Kerch Strait. According to the Ukrainian portal Militarnyi, the accident was caused by the pilot losing control of the aircraft.
7:38 AM EDT, October 28, 2024
The helicopter was patrolling the Kerch Bridge, a key transport route for Russian soldiers and equipment through the occupied Crimea to Ukraine.
The pilot lost control of the aircraft, causing it to fall 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 Mi-28s used in the area annexed by the Russian army includes, among other tasks, the protection of the Crimean Bridge, which may be targeted again by Ukrainian forces.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, the Crimean Bridge has become a key logistics route. It serves as the main transportation path 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.