Russia ’gains advantage on southern front with attack helicopters’

Russia has gained a “temporary advantage” on the key southern front in Ukraine by bolstering its attack helicopter force, which are allowing it to fire long-range missiles at Ukrainian troops, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. Since the start of Ukrainian counter-offensive operations in the south earlier this month, Russia has deployed more than 20 extra helicopters to Berdyansk Airport, which lies approximately 100km behind the front line, the MoD said in its morning intelligence update on Saturday. “In the constant contest between aviation measures and counter-measures, it is likely that Russia has gained a temporary advantage in southern Ukraine, especially with attack helicopters employing longer-range missiles against ground targets,” it noted. Ukraine hopes that advances on the southern front might allow it to sever Russia’s land corridor. Subscribe to The Telegraph with our special offer: just £1 for 3 months. Start your free trial now: Get the latest headlines: and are websites of The Telegraph, the UK’s best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture. #Russia #Ukraine #helicopter