Ukraine / Russia dispute aviation thread

I thought I’d start this thread as the situation is evolving in Eastern Ukraine and warrants it’s own thread.

Try to keep the thread politics free please and stick to aviation matters.
I’ll start off with news of the Ukrainian helicopter which was destroyed today by an rpg.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10787281/Ukraine-helicopter-hit-by-grenade-taking-off.html

Also Footage of Mi-24’s providing close air support to Ukranian ground forces has emerged aswell as Mi-8’s dropping leaflets over occupied towns and cities to encourage the armed groups to put down their weapon’s.

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RT was playing footage of Su-25’s of the Russian air force taking off to join in the recently announced army exercises.