Pro-war channels say three helicopter crews died defending St Petersburg from drone attack

The channel "Voevoda Veshchayet" reported the deaths of three crews of the Russian Aerospace Forces, seven servicemen in total, describing them as "3 experienced crews, seven valiant Warriors who departed for the Heavenly Garrison."

The channel "Voyenny Osvedomitel" reported the loss of a Ka-52 attack helicopter along with its crew and, presumably, an Mi-8 as well. It later updated the post to add that, according to some accounts, there were three aircraft. No cause was given: "either a collision or friendly fire."

Other pro-war channels alluded to the pilots' deaths without details. Fighterbomber wrote that "today's defense of the sky over St Petersburg against the drone attack cost us very dearly," attaching a photo of a Ka-52. The channel "Na Predele" published a picture of a helicopter with a caption implying the pilots had died. The channel "Ya i drug moy vertolyot" posted a poem in memory of the dead alongside a photograph of a Ka-52 and an Mi-8.

Russia's Defense Ministry has not commented on the losses. Russian authorities have not confirmed the deaths of the pilots or the loss of the helicopters.

The attack on the port of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad Region took place on the morning of November 11. Regional governor Alexander Drozdenko said 150 drones were shot down over the region overnight and that a fire broke out in the port area after several drones struck it. According to him, three port workers were injured and their lives are not in danger.

Astra reported that the blaze broke out at the northern production and technology cluster of the stable gas condensate fractionation and transshipment complex of NOVATEK-Ust-Luga LLC. According to NASA FIRMS data, several new temperature anomalies were recorded on the port's territory on the morning of November 11, which may indicate fires. The glow over Ust-Luga was visible from Estonian territory.

Because of flight restrictions at Pulkovo Airport, two passenger planes flying to St Petersburg from Istanbul and Hurghada landed in Helsinki. Residents of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were warned of an air threat, and there were reports of drones entering the airspace of the Baltic states and of NATO aircraft operating.

Ust-Luga is one of Russia's largest ports on the Baltic Sea, exporting crude oil, oil products, gas condensate, coal, fertilizer and grain. The Kyiv School of Economics Institute (KSE Institute) estimated that in 2025 the port accounted for about 20% of Russia's seaborne oil exports — roughly 1.15 million barrels per day.

Accounts diverge: pro-war channels report the deaths of three crews and the loss of a Ka-52 and, presumably, an Mi-8, while the Defense Ministry and Russian authorities have not confirmed the information. The cause of the helicopter losses is unknown, with a mid-air collision and friendly fire among the versions cited.