Dzhankoi, Crimea – Explosions rocked the town of Dzhankoi in occupied Crimea near a military airfield, triggering a large-scale fire during the early hours of April 17, as reported by Russian-affiliated telegram channels. The incident took place at the Russian Navy’s Dzhankoi airbase, just outside the town, home to the 39th helicopter regiment of the 27th mixed aviation division. This regiment is known for operating various attack helicopters, including the advanced Ka-52 Alligator, Mi-8, Mi-28N, and Mi-35M.
The Ka-52 Alligator is a cutting-edge twin-seat variant of Russia’s Ka-50 attack helicopter, specifically designed for taking out enemy armored and unarmored ground targets, tanks, low-speed aerial targets, and personnel. Since the full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, Russia has already lost more than 300 combat helicopters, according to the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. This loss underscores the intensity and high stakes of the ongoing conflict in the region.
In a related incident, Ukrainian forces successfully downed a Russian Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter near Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast on Feb. 7, as confirmed by Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, the commander of Ukraine’s Tavria group fighting on the southeastern front lines. This tactical victory showcases the determination and resilience of Ukrainian forces in defending their territory against foreign aggression.
The escalation of hostilities in Crimea and the surrounding areas underscores the volatile and precarious nature of the current geopolitical situation. The targeting of key military installations like the Dzhankoi airbase highlights the strategic importance of these locations in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, it remains essential to monitor developments closely and analyze the implications of each new incident on the broader conflict. The resilience and courage demonstrated by Ukrainian forces in the face of overwhelming odds serves as a testament to their determination to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity against all threats.