Ukraine has deployed 16 helicopters to deliver fighters, weapons, ammunition, medicine and food to the besieged Azovstal plant. Two of them were shot down by the occupiers.
This was stated in an interview with The War Zone by the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense Kirill Budanov.
The crews of Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopters withstood heavy russian air defenses and enemy aircraft, which were concentrated in and around Mariupol to deliver much-needed supplies and assistance to Azovstal's defenders. A total of seven flights were made.
Of the 16 helicopters involved, two were destroyed by the russians during the 5th and 7th flights. The occupiers also shot down another who came to the aid of one of the downed.
Thanks to these flights, weapons, ammunition, medicine, and food were supplied to Azovstal. Helicopters also delivered 72 Azov fighters.
President Volodymyr announced that many Ukrainian pilots had died while delivering water and food to Azovstal and evacuating the wounded.