Ukrainian helicopter was shot down killing 14

At least 14 soldiers were killed in Ukraine after the helicopter they were in was shot down by pro-Russian separatists. The Ukrainian army is conducting an offensive in the eastern part of the country to crush any remaining rebels.

Officials in Kiev stated the helicopter was carrying 14 soldiers and an army general and it was delivering supplies in the eastern Ukraine. The aircraft was brought down by anti-aircraft fire near the town of Slaviansk. Although other Ukrainian helicopters were shot down in recent weeks, this was probably the heaviest loss suffered by the army.

“Terrorists using Russian anti-aircraft missiles shot down our helicopter near Slavianks. It had been servicemen for a change of duty,” said Ukrainian president, Oleksander Turchinov. Rebels have finally admitted they received help from Russia. One of the leaders in Donetsk said some of the fighter who died in the firefight with Ukrainian army were Russian volunteers.

Ukrainian army officials even captured weapons produced in Russia in the battle to regain control over the airport in Donetsk. “These are not our weapons. They were brought from Russian. Serial numbers, year of production and specific models. This is a proof of the aggression of the Putin regime,” said Arsen Avakov, Ukrainian Interior minister.