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Illustration of a Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopter. Two Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopters suddenly crashed and were completely destroyed while on a combat mission against Russia in Bakhmut, six soldiers were killed. Photo/REUTERS
KYIV – Two Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopters suddenly crashed and were completely destroyed while on a combat mission in the Bakhmut region, an area partially controlled by Russia. A total of six Kyiv soldiers died on the spot.
The Ukrainian military, quoted by AFP, Thursday (31/8/2023), said it had not found any suspicious indications regarding the crash of the two helicopters on Tuesday.
Local media, Ukrainska Pravda, reported the incident occurred near Kramatorsk—a large city west of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region, where there has been much fighting with Russian forces.
The report confirmed that both helicopters were completely destroyed and the bodies of six soldiers were found at the crash site.
Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yevhen Rakita said the six people on board the two helicopters were officers.
He said a ceremony for the six soldiers would be held on Thursday in the central city of Poltava. However, their identities were not published for security reasons.
Despite not finding any suspicious indications, the State Bureau of Investigation of Ukraine launched an investigation based on criminal offenses in accordance with Article 416 of the Criminal Law. “Violation of aviation rules or preparation for them is punishable by imprisonment for a period of five to fifteen years,” reads Article 416 as quoted by the bureau.
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