Four Russian helicopters have been destroyed after Ukraine launched missile strikes using US-made Himars just hours before a Black Sea ceasefire.
The strike took place just hours before high-level peace talks between diplomats from Moscow and Washington.
Ukraine's special forces released footage showing the missiles striking two Russian Ka-52 helicopters and two Mi-8 aircraft.
The attack was filmed behind enemy lines in Russia's Belgorod region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin
REUTERS
Ukrainian special forces said: "Once again, [Russia] thought deep rear positions were unattainable.
"We proved that nothing is out of reach for Ukraine’s special operations forces."
Kyiv also claimed that the Russian helicopters had been used in attacks against Ukraine.
Moscow had already been accused of reneging on the partial agreement agreed between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin earlier this month.
A screengrab of the missile strike against Russian helicopters
UKRAINE SPECIAL FORCES
Russia reportedly agreed to no longer target Ukrainian energy stations but launched an attack just hours later.
Trump also handed Ukraine a hammer blow after opting to suspend intelligence sharing with Kyiv.
However, the latest footage comes after the White House restored its intelligence sharing following Kyiv's decision to support Trump's 30-day proposed ceasefire.
The Kremlin claimed Ukraine destroyed two bridges in the Belgorod region using Himars missiles yesterday.
Vladimir Putin
REUTERSA Russian missile strike also hit the densely population area of Sumy, wounding 88 people.
The attacks came just hours before Washington and Moscow officials sat down for fresh talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a day after delegations from Washington and Kyiv had separate discussions.
Trump's administration had been pushing for a ceasefire in the Black Sea.
The United States said on Tuesday it has made separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and to implement a ban strikes against energy facilities in the two countries.
The White House said in a statement that Washington would help restore Russia's access to the world market for agricultural and fertiliser exports and would continue facilitating talks on both sides in a bid toward achieving a sustainable peace.
US national security adviser Mike Waltz had said that the teams would discuss “the line of control” between the two countries, which he described as “verification measures, peacekeeping, freezing the lines where they are".
Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff also voiced optimism that any agreement struck would pave the way for a “full-on” ceasefire.
