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Mi-8 downed by drone as strikes continued
Summary
A look back at reported fighting in Donetsk Oblast on 29 September 2025, after a weekend of large-scale Russian strikes on Ukraine and a Ukrainian strike in Belgorod.
What happened on the front line on 29 September 2025, and what had come immediately before it?
On that date, Ukraine allegedly shot down a Russian Air Force Mil Mi-8 helicopter, which was on combat search and rescue duties, using an FPV drone. The incident was reported near Nadaeyvka in Pokrovsk Raion, Donetsk Oblast. Several people were reported killed and several others injured.
The preceding day
The downing followed a night of heavy Russian attacks. On 28 September 2025, Russian forces launched more than 600 drones and dozens of cruise missiles at Ukraine, according to reports at the time. At least four people were killed and 70 others injured.
On the same day, a Ukrainian missile struck a power station in Belgorod, in Russia. The strike caused a massive power outage in the city.
What the reports showed
Taken together, the reports from 28 and 29 September 2025 describe exchanges across several fronts: long-range Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, a Ukrainian strike on energy infrastructure inside Russia, and a drone attack on an aircraft in Donetsk Oblast. The claim about the Mi-8 was reported as alleged.
