Ukraine's military intelligence confirmed that a Ukrainian naval drone had successfully destroyed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter and damaged another in the Black Sea near Crimea. The attack took place near Cape Tarkhankut, where a Magura V5 maritime drone, equipped with missiles, targeted the Russian aircraft. This incident is notable as it marks the first time a Ukrainian naval drone has downed an aerial target, underscoring the increasing use of drones in the ongoing conflict.

While Russia has not issued an official comment, it claimed that eight unmanned drone vessels were destroyed in the region. The destruction of the Mi-8 helicopter was confirmed by Russian military blogger Voenny Osvedomitel, and footage released by Ukraine's GUR intelligence agency showed the helicopter being struck by multiple projectiles before it crashed. However, the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.

Ukraine has increasingly relied on drones since Russia's invasion in 2022, employing both land and naval drones to target Russian warships and military installations, particularly in Crimea. These drone attacks have significantly disrupted Russian naval operations, especially in Sevastopol, forcing Russia's Black Sea Fleet to relocate its warships.