Likely seeking to send a firm message to the West at a moment some European leaders are pushing for escalated involvement in the war on behalf of Kiev, Russia on Wednesday published what is said to be fresh battlefield footage of multiple Ukrainian military helicopters being blown up.

The released drone footage shows three M-8/17 military helicopters lined up by a dirt road, which come under Russian cluster munitions fire, after which at least two of the helicopters were shown in flames and destroyed. Russian media said it happened close to the village of Novopavlovka, nearly 50km from the front line. Recent days have seen a rise in successful targeted strikes on Ukrainian aviation by Russian forces. All of this is perhaps some forceful 'counter' signaling to the small group of hawkish European leaders currently talking about NATO 'boots on the ground' in Ukraine.

Russian MOD just published this video of hitting Ukrainian helicopters in eastern Ukraine. Russia’s ability for quick targeting powered by drone surveillance is clearly improving. pic.twitter.com/FLQuYskq0P

— Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) March 13, 2024