Recently, an eloquent video appeared on the Internet of one of the flights of Ukraine’s pair of Mi-8 helicopters carrying medical aid and reinforcements for defenders of encircled Mariupol.
Breakthrough of the front line at ultra-low altitude and maximum speed, flying more than 100 km over the territory already occupied by russian invaders. Then, along the coast a few meters above the water, hiding behind a steep bank to the port of Mariupol. And then going in the opposite direction.
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There were seven flights, a pair of helicopters took part in each of them, except the last flight, when four helicopters participated in the operation. This allowed to transport weapons, ammunition, medicine and food for the defenders of Mariupol. The garrison of the besieged city was also enforced by 72 soldiers.
During these flights, the enemy was able to destroy two helicopters - on the fifth and seventh missions, as well as one of the helicopters of the search and rescue team. During these flights, the enemy was able to destroy two helicopters: on the fifth and seventh missions, as well as one of the search and rescue helicopters.
After that, it was impossible to carry out such operations due to the loss of territory that could be used as a helipad, as well as due to extremely high risks.
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