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Ukraine Defense Ministry: Two helicopters were shot down, two servicemen killed

02 May 2014 11:05 (UTC +04:00)

"Two Mi-24 helicopters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were shot down over Sloviansk in Donetsk region early on May 2 while on a patrol mission. According to preliminary reports, the combat aircraft were shot down by unknown individuals using man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). As a result of the shooting, two servicemen were killed and several others sustained injuries," it said.

In addition, a Mi-8 helicopter of the Army Aviation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was damaged with shots from small arms.

"People were not killed or injured in this case," the ministry said.

The Defense Ministry said that the use of MANPADS against the Ukrainian Armed Forces clearly indicates that acting against the military in Donetsk region are not "peaceful protesters," but well-trained and armed professional subversive groups which, by committing terrorist attacks and acts of sabotage, are trying to destabilize the situation in the region.