Explosions lit up the sky above a Russian military airfield in occupied Crimea, where Vladimir Putin reportedly stores his Ka52 ‘Alligator’ helicopters. Video shows a ball of flames in the town of Dzhankoi just moments before an airraid warning was issued overnight. The inferno, nearby the airfield – a key logistics hub in the north of the peninsula, was raging for hours. It is used by Russia forces to launch strikes on Ukrainian battalions, and to repel landings by the special services. More video shows the massive explosion, followed by a fire, indicates ammunition stores and fuel may have been hit. According to an online aviation database, Putin’s 39th helicopter regiment of the 27th mixed aviation division is stationed there. The regiment reportedly flies several attack helicopters, including the Russian Ka52 ‘Alligator’ attack helicopter, the Mi8, Mi28N, and the Mi35M. Russia’s Ka52 attack helicopter have been a thorn in Ukraine’s eyes, inflicting heavy costs on its forces since the start of the fullscale invasion. Emblematic of the country’s postCold War fighting ability, it is Putin’s attack helicopter. There was no initial official response from Russianinstalled officials in the region that has been under occupation since 2014. Residents of Dzhankoi later signalled new explosions. No casualties have yet been reported.

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