Russian Air Force Mi-8/17/171 Shot down

During a Ukrainian drone raid on Rostov Oblast overnight into 4 March 2026, Russian air defenses appear to have mistakenly engaged one of their own Mi-8 helicopters near the hamlet of Dudki in Millerovo District, a few kilometers from Millerovo air base. Reports citing local residents, emergency-service sources, and Telegram channels said the helicopter had been scrambled during the air-defense response. The aircraft crashed into a farmer's barn and burned, killing all three crew members. Russian regional authorities acknowledged the overnight drone attack but did not publicly confirm the helicopter loss.