'It's always scary'. Ukrainian Army helicopter pilots on their missions and flights to Azovstal

On the morning of February 24, Russian missiles struck the airfield in Novyi Kalyniv, Lviv region. The 12th Army Aviation Brigade, named in honor of Viktor Pavlenko, which was based there, prepared for the Russian attack: on the night of the attack, helicopters were redeployed, and according to the military, all aircraft survived.
From the very beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, the military pilots performed combat missions: transporting ammo and weapons, destroying Russian military hardware and personnel in the Kyiv region, and then working in the Donetsk region. But the most difficult operation for the pilots were missions to Azovstal when Mariupol was already encircled. For their participation in this operation, the pilots of the 12th Brigade were awarded the title of "Heroes of Ukraine."
They delivered medicines, food, and weapons to Azovstal's defenders and evacuated the most severely wounded. However, not all of them returned from the dangerous mission.
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From the first minutes of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, hromadske has been working 24/7, thoroughly checking every news item in the information space. We film in hotspots and translate our content into Russian, English, and German. We record the crimes of the Russian occupation army to protect Ukraine and show the world the truth.
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[@hromadske_ua]

We are working on adding subtitles in English and other languages as soon as possible. To help us a little at this moment, you can become a sponsor of our channel. And this is also the support of independent journalism in Ukraine kzbin.info/door/2oGvjIJwxn1KeZR3JtE-uQjoin

[@stefanb6539]

In general, or right now on this video? If you do, I'll definitely check it out again. If not, thank you for a lot of interesting videos so far, I am a bit sad I have to sit at least this one out. Looks interesting, but if I concentrate really hard, I can barely make the gist out of people talking Russian. I feel quite sad, that I missed my chance to actually learn a bit of Ukrainian, when I had it. Following Timothy Snyder's lecture, I start to realize, how actual imperialistic my own, German point of view on Ukraine has been for a long time. I'll see, what I can do about the money.

[@gradycooper475]

Thank you for translating these videos. I think that it is very important for English speaking people from the West to continue to see and understand what is happening in Ukraine. These translations will help keep the focus of support for your noble cause.

[@Magus36]

You have a new sponsor now 😁

[@r33tfux0r4]

@@gradycooper475 Don't worry. Check back every so often. Some videos on this channel have ENG subs immediately, others after a short while. In my experience, it's been less than a day before they show up.

[@intermodus2180]

@@stefanb6539 generally speaking. Bring your questions to me🦊🚬

[@Darryl1963D]

Absolute heroes. Respect from Australia.

[@u.h.h4915]

🤩🤩🤩🤩🙏🏻💙💙💙💙

[@TOMAS-lh4er]

And from Arizona,USA

[@dmnationKh]

🤝🤝🤝

[@denismdde8114]

Господи, справжній герой України, - велика честь побачити в'ю з такими людьми! Дякую Громадське!

[@Diezov17]

Скромність і крутість цих титанів зашкалює. Слава Героям!

[@user-sx8tg2be4y]

Важкий випуск. Велика подяка героям льотчикам. Та вічна пам'ять загиблим

[@certaindeaf8315]

Thank you for the subtitles. I'm an American and have watched many hours of videos every day since this all started. Your channel is perhaps the very best of them all. I had wondered about the Mariupol rescue missions.. what bravery. Now I know. I can't wait for all of Ukraine to be free. 🇺🇸 ❤ 🇺🇦

[@Ale-xv1ld]

This channel has really great journalist who i know personally.. greetings from Kyiv and thank you for your support!

[@certaindeaf8315]

@@Ale-xv1ld ❤

[@Vbluevital]

I also agree wholeheartedly. Wish we could make all their pain go away. Slava Ukraine!!!

[@user-bv3ly9jd1u]

Скільки болю в очах пілота...Як добре я вас розумію 😭 дай Боже, щоб у вас було все добре! Велика подяка, шана і доземний уклін вам! Дуже велику ціну платимо за нашу свободу. Пам'ятаймо це!

[@jacquelinetaylor8683]

Quote " it had to be done, it should be done". How brave. No thought for himself. He was only thinking of the trapped and injured. Man has no greater love when he lays himself down for his fellow men. This is why Ukraine will win.

[@manaevalarisa6038]

Впевненна , що ці льотчики , рік тому , навіть подумати не могли , що їх життя так змінеться... Дякую вам❤ і вклоняюсь до долу

[@user-kj7me4rn5v]

Україна вклоняється до долу цім хлопцям

[@billrossignon8621]

"Freedom costs a lot" that says it all.

[@peterritchie2990]

From Canada: Thanks to this journalist. Great respect to this courageous man.

[@loloaqici82qb4ipp]

I admired the journalist's choice of questions and the way she listened carefully to the pilot's answers. The pilot is of course a hero as are the others involved in those missions to Azovstal.

[@77thTrombone]

The comment characterizes this whole operation. Minimalist interviewing, I guess you could call it. Their technique is very compelling. It's why I subscribed. Another reason is these cool little emojis that I keep forgetting about.

[@tatianacrehuet1065]

Go, Go, Ukraine!!!! Greetings from Spain!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ivannal4032]

Слова подяки і низький уклін мужнім і відважним українським воїнам ЗСУ 🇺🇦🔱💙💛. Вічна пам'ять тим хто віддав за Україну своє життя. Смерть москалям!!!

[@DeniseSyrett]

These men have so much courage. This one story could be a movie. The rescue of Mariupol’s wounded fighters, their losses, their bravery in the face of Russian ships shooting missiles at them is just so moving. These interviews are incredible. Thank you.❤

[@petrohorishnyy8981]

Усім їм , живим і вічно живим, глибока шана та безмежна повага, це Герої!!! Їхні імена назавжди залишаться в історії України.

[@nikitalifeminecraft]

Украины не будет и Бандеровцев тоже

[@andrewscoggins4747]

I understand this man's pain. Losing a friend in war is the worst, as they are closer than your own brothers. Really a hero of Ukraine!

[@branmcg9844]

God, I hope you truly understand. My bet is you never served.

[@andrewscoggins4747]

@@branmcg9844 and....you read the posts of others just to disagree. If only I had the time for that.

[@khiem1939]

@@branmcg9844 Since YOU brought the subject up, what is your "claim to fame" and if you served was it in combat or in the "rear with the gear"! I know many who served in Vietnam, who never fired even one shot during their tour, never saw combat, but lived in air conditioned barracks, ate in nice dining facilities, and were PAID extra for living near a flight line and having to ENDURE the NOISE of aircraft taking off and landing! Yes a lot different than slogging through flooded rice paddies while being shot at and evading booby traps!

[@Cerceify]

@@khiem1939 My brother was a Huy gunship pilot who did two tours in Nam. He spent plenty of time slogging through on the ground looking for missing men. He qualified on the Apache and trained those going to Iraq and Afghanistan as a civilian. He goes to their funerals, the young and the old. We all see Olaksandres pain.

[@abdel-qadeercoubadja4750]

Banderastan MUST, WILL and IS getting dismantled (albeit kicking and scratching ) .... irrespective of the conniptions, tantrums and virtue signaling emanating from wherever. Eventually, the ODD-COUPLE... lolzlozlolzl 😂🤣😅.. .. 9f banderovskies, kholkhols and ashkenazis, along with the esteemed assistance of their degenerate alphabet mafia handlers in dc, london and brussels, will move the capital into the Tchernobyl sacophagus for permanent safety. Meanwhile... They're now living like their 'national hero' bandera did. ... In Huts and Dugouts and No Flushing 🤐.

[@user-vi5zg4zy3w]

Низький уклін Вам мої дорогі захисники Вітчизни України !!. Неможливо ніж з чим зрівняти Подвиги Ваші заради Життя ☮️ і Свободи України !!. Бережіть себе і нехай Господь Бог наший Ісус Христос береже вас від усього лиха як і молитви народу України як Св'ятим Оберегом будуть для Вас день і ніч і кожну хвилину!!. Слава Героям України !! Слава Україні і Господу Богу нашому Слава !!.

[@user-sm6if2ej6v]

Бажання у нас з цими мужніми чоловіками спільні. Мріємо про перемогу і збереження життя нашим воїнам! Молимось і допомагаємо хто як може. 💙💛🇺🇦

[@user-ft9vz3dr8s]

Улюблений канал ,як завжди, на висоті, цікавий, пізнавальний репортаж, особлива подяка за героїв цього сюжету, сильних чоловіків, професіоналів, низький уклін Вам, наші Захисники неба, респект каналу.

[@dmytroboroday919]

Золоті , мої дорогі пілоти ! Я вас шаную і заздрю Вам , тому , що я сам не можу стати разом із Вами з об‘єктивних причин ! Ви - справжні герої і достойні сини України ! Честь Вам ! Схиляю перед Вами голову ! Удачі Вам , будьте живими !

[@scott_aero3915]

Another relevant, informative and respectful interview - thank you, you're doing great work Hromadske. Friends are clearly being missed by the pilots in this interview. It's no consolation, but the people lost on these missions will go down in history and be forever remembered as being part of a daring and brave few making a difference to those who really needed it.

[@sharonverdon4072]

Brave men and women fighting Australia is with you sending love and support from Melbourne

[@cufracyfrovik1285]

Щиро дякуємо нашим воїнам! Дай Боже Вам здоров'я, сили, удачі! Бережіть себе!

[@user-bm7hu1jm3b]

дякую вам за мужність і за захист. нехай Господь дасть вам мир на серці і спокій. Благословить Бог вашу родину. Молимось за Україну рідну.

[@best-vc4sx4pc8m]

Дуже, дуже вдячні Вам, Олександр Леонідович Шемет, за захист Українського Народу, за захист Української Землі! Молимося за Вас 🙏🙏🙏 Хай береже Вас Господь Бог на усіх Ваших життєвих дорогах!!! Дай Боже Вам міцного здоров'я і довгих прекрасних , щасливих років життя!!! Бажаємо Вам Великої швидкої Перемоги над російськими фашистами!!!

[@user-rh7lc9ol3r]

Дякую за цю розмову!

[@richardjohnson3463]

Such real heroes these men are, I have massive admiration for their bravery and professionalism. So sad to hear of the men lost. Victory to Ukraine🔰

[@mikesaunders4694]

The bravest pilots on the best channel. Respect.

[@robertottwell605]

This is the best channel telling the story of the war in Ukraine and the troops on the ground.

[@hromadske_ua]

Thank you so much!

[@juliafaryha4296]

Справні герої! Безмежно дякуємо їм за роботу! Тяжко бачити сум в очах, хочу щоб вони більше посміхались! Тримайтесь! Слава ЗСУ!

[@user-bx7yb9fj7t]

Господи хлопчики,Ви всі просто неймовірні, здоров'я та миру Вам всім, Божої благодаті та опіки,бережи Вас всіх Боже, спаси сохрани та помилуй, захисти збережи борони

[@anastasiiashe5594]

Дякую за інтерв'ю🙏🇺🇦

[@karilu3777]

I don't know why I cried while watching it. It's like everything they said is so vividly showed in my mind and it brought me pain somehow. Slave Ukraine, Slave to Heroes.

[@user-on4gs1dg7y]

Очень опасная работа, берегите себя и будьте внемательней🙄

[@MrRmh3481]

Great Video. God Bless these folks fighting for their Country.

[@louisemarianiehausniehaus6680]

Incredible bravery!!!! May God protect and keep all pilots safe and successful on all their missions. Slava Ukraine 💙💛 with love and prayers from South Africa

[@user-rt6qq5lk2g]

Спасибо за пожелания и поддержку

[@jiyushugi1085]

Scariest job in the war. Nothing but respect for these guys.

[@PrimaVera_incontato]

Не знаю, як без високопарності можна звернутись до наших льотчиків, але щира й міцна повага їм, усвідомлення значущості та відважності їхньої роботи. Не існує співрозмірних слів, якими б можна було загоїти втрату кожного нашого Бориса Борисовича, страшно гірко

[@user-ob9be7lp6d]

Да, трудно им! И ведь ради чего?! АнглоСсаки спасибо не скажут! Только кредитов под оружие навесят...

[@PrimaVera_incontato]

@@user-ob9be7lp6d судячи за вашим набором слів, то складно вам бути пропутінским ботом, щось взагалі ви себе не бережете і не поважаєте

[@shooster5884]

@@user-ob9be7lp6d Russians don't even see that Ukrainians exist.. they are trying to wipe out Ukrainians.. and he makes such a stupid statement about the Ukrainians allies who are helping them to survive. What an idiot..

[@dimak.8195]

Дякую за внесок у нашу перемогу! Слава Повітряним силам України!

[@henriettemcpartlin8640]

thanks for the english subtitles

[@migproductions4045]

Hromadske are the best for bringing the words of these heroes to the world..God keep them safe! xxx

[@SuperIClaudius]

This was a profoundly moving interview. Well done.

[@akasa000]

Thank you for the English subtitle. Both of these warriors WILL dance in their grandson's weddings no doubt because God is protecting all who are fighting for Ukraine. The force is with Ukraine until victory is accomplished. The free world stands with Ukraine until the end. USA 💞 💙💛💯

[@Stan732]

Прості і прекрасні українські офіцери. Знають на якій стороні світло і б'ються буденно.

[@derekbaker3279]

Excellent questions that were respectful, were not 'sensationalist', but did not avoid the realities of war either.👍👍 The pilot who lost his buddy during a exceptionally dangerous mission to Azovstal appears to have been psychologically worn down by the highly stressful work he has been doing. Unfortunately, experienced pilots like him are extremely valuable, so I am sure that the option of the pilot being granted a leave from active duty to 'recharge his psychological batteries' is not an option right now. I will certainly keep the pilot who was interviewed in my prayers, and I will do the same for all Ukrainian helicopter crews fighting to liberate all the territory illegally occupied by Russia & pro-Russia separatists since 2014! Slava Ukraini !!!

[@dianabutsko820]

Thank you for watching our piece. The pilots were indeed very emotional because they lost their friends. I am very thankful that they shared with us their feelings and emotions.

[@gf3473]

@@dianabutsko820 I've watched your exceptional reporting over this horrific war. I admire your compassionate & respectful approach with difficult questions. I believe your work is received & recognized worldwide already. Although I'm in Canada, I come to local news agencies & Ukrainian independent reporters ( & TVPoland ) to know the reality on the ground in Ukraine, not the largest Internationally circulating news outlets. Thank you for these reports you & all your colleagues bring to the world. These interviews with the defenders of Ukraine, are not only riveting reporting, they're important historical record.

[@JuhaErkkila]

Hoping our politicians will make right decisions concerning help to Ukraine! Slava Ukraine!

[@zoregrai9284]

Слава захисникам України 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@bazzakeegan2243]

What truly brave and courageous pilots....Ukraine will get through this conflict, and emerge victorious! Slava Ukraina...l👍🇺🇦🇮🇪👍

[@weelass3188]

These men are true heroes. I pray that they will survive this terrible war.

[@olga-drachuk]

Дякую велике. Каналу і Захисникам за ваш героїзм. Низький до землі уклін. Дякую за все. Швидше б уже наша Перемога

[@user-yj7um6hv1d]

На этой старой рухляди гвинтокриле будут перемогать?

[@Vbluevital]

An incredibly dangerous task! Live long, Stay Safe Heros Slava Ukranii!!!💙💛

[@user-zf6tu9wm6s]

Brave and powerful pilot!!!

[@rukraz721]

The journalist asked good and caring questions and the brave men were very gracious. Wonderful to see these two generations conversing. The best of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!

[@svitlanarood8875]

Ukrainians are the best! I felt so proud watching this report. You are in my prayers.

[@lesflynn4455]

The quality of the work you guys at hromadske are doing is first rate. I'm glad the information is getting out. Western Helos to Ukraine? Apaches? Yes, I would support it. I hope it happens.

[@andreyruban4554]

Дяка таким мужнім воїнам та українцям - ми переможемо і це вже точно

[@docbogus6128]

Great people. Great reporting. Thank you so much.

[@AzovUpdates]

Great reporting!

[@727412]

You are a very brave man iI salute you..

[@ee1543]

Most capable aviation in the world right now, I wonder why we don't want to send advanced helicopters to them. They've been doing sorties that even the US wouldn't dare to do.

[@user-rs4ni2xo9f]

❤

[@robertottwell605]

Our equipment requires a lot of training.

[@ee1543]

@@robertottwell605 Indeed, but Ukrainians proved that they are able to learn complicated weapons in short period of timees (HIMARS, M777, etc..). It's not like they don't have a good aviation, the stuff they've done since the beginning is actually insane.

[@scipioprime69]

@@ee1543 Its because theyre already training in those equipments even before the war started. Dont be surprised if theyre already using western tanks next week.

[@77thTrombone]

This is why there's a saying: _Amateurs discuss tactics. Professionals plan logistics._ The following may give you an idea. It's not like going to Walmart/Carrefour/etc and ordering 2 dozen widgets to hand out to your mates, nor is it like going to your "eWallet" and buying some magic experience points or a "plug-in" resource. There's • operator skill for each of the flight crew positions, for all the routine tasks (take-off, in flight, landing, pre- and post-flight) and the non routine ones (fault detection _and_ response) • maintainer skills for each of the avionic, mechanical, weapons subsystems, as well as the airframe itself. • logistics. Not just parts, but "where after you going to put them?" How do you manage, distribute, restock? How many of which need to be on hand at the squadron? Which ones should be kept at depot-level facilities? • training. Training 1 flight crew for 1 week means ••• ZSU loses 1 flight crew for 1 week. ••• loss of 1 crew has scheduling impact: will other operating crews fill in? Will crews off flight rotation be pulled back into the flight schedule? Maybe the operational outage will be absorbed? How will it be absorbed? What missions will be dropped?

[@LorraineCyn5675]

Excellent interview. Thank you for your work; sending love and respect to you all! 🇺🇦💪🏼✌🏼🇺🇸 Slava Ukraini! As always thank you for English subtitles.

[@jlow4214]

Powerful reporting, brave men indeed! Slava Ukraine!

[@sherryberry2394]

Great interview! I appreciated learning about technical aspects of the helicopters, and even more importantly - - how they feel and think flying these on missions. 🇺🇦💙💛 🙏From Florida, USA.

[@user-ny1lc1hq1v]

Спасибо вам, за вашу поддержку и ваши молитвы. Вам большой привет из Украины и города Харьков!!! 🇺🇦❤🇺🇲

[@SpicyAl3000]

Many thanks :) The english subs here are excellent too :)

[@leeroyprodigy3960]

Хай бережуть вас ангели

[@Rysnipuzdaa]

Україна переможе!💙💛 Волею та Залізом!🦾😎🇺🇦

[@norbertdapunt1444]

Слава пілотам! Слава ЗСУ! Слава Воїнам Україні! Слава 🇺🇦 Героям слава!

[@desydukuk291]

Fine human beings these extraordinarily brave aircrew, aware of the risks and the part luck plays, my heart gooes out to them.

[@kurtthewicked9009]

These guys are unbelievably brave.

[@dshaw9665]

I'm pausing this video because I need to go to sleep. Ukrainians don't have that choice. I can't take my position for granted. I look forward to getting this pilot's dialog. 'Very good interviewee and want to hear the rest asap. Thank you Ukrainian pilots and hromadske for bringing this forward. Slava Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes, such as this fine man and this channel for seeing this perspective. thank you, and great English captions by the way.

[@user-yf1kk2eu5l]

Щемливо, по людськи важко

[@khiem1939]

Their tactic of hugging the ground and jumping the tree lines around the fields reminds me of most of the flights I went on in Vietnam during the war, but of course those tactics put you close to the ground and made you great targets for AK-47s and machine guns! Many times we returned with lots of holes in the fiberglass but still able to fly! Nothing makes one feel more helpless than to be a passenger in a bird under fire and there is nothing you can do other than make yourself as small a target as possible!

[@geoffgill5334]

Great interview, with spirit and courage like this pilot Ukraine can not loose

[@olehhumeniuk1632]

Сама захоплива і романтична професія - військовий пілот 🧑‍🚀✈ Удачі нашим літунам 💛💙

[@kasya2022]

Дякую!

[@sviatoslavkiral4307]

Дякую за вашу роботу. Круті люди!

[@brenthorn2475]

This channel is the most intense and informative of any on the day-to-day life events of the war. I applaud the brave women reporters who ask the tough and candid questions. This channel and program puts you closer to the war than any other. Slava Ukraini!! The USA has got your back!

[@vladdoggyla]

Дякуємо❤ Наші Повітряні Силі та їхні воїни найкращі у світі 🤝

[@tomcortjens3914]

Heroes ! There is no other word for those men ! Respect

[@stompcity4085]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 from Australia 🇦🇺

[@UserUser-ww2nj]

A great interview with some well thought through questions , not rushed like some others . I like your way of asking and giving the person time to think through what they want to say , it shows a lot of respect . The English subtitles are very good , thank you

[@dianabutsko820]

I can't but listen to them!

[@laurencehastings7473]

Well you've just got another subscriber. Well conducted interviews with excellent subtitles and a subject that nobody has covered until now. These guys are something else. They flew through and into hostile enemy occupied territory to re-supply the Azovstal stronghold and evacuate the injured. They knew they were sitting ducks but they did it anyway and like most of the heroes in Ukraine , both military and civilian, modesty and humility prevail.Thank you

[@dianabutsko820]

Thank you for subscribing, Laurence!

[@ruthwolfer4154]

Just heroes ❤‍🔥💙💛❤‍🔥💪🤝

[@user-cs7wo4qz8i]

Авіатори України захищали і небо, і землю, і продовжують захищати, часто надможливими зусиллями та сміливими рішеннями, дякуємо вам, хлопці!

[@netherworlde]

This was a touching interview. I particularly like this journalist. A good journalist not only asks good questions, but listens well.

[@dianabutsko820]

Thank you! That's really nice to hear this. I felt like the pilots needed some space. I was also very touched when they trusted us with their stories and emotions.

[@user-fl2kf8hz3x]

Ось так дивися, начебто звичайні чоловіки, а насправді немає слів, щоб висловити всю свою вдячність !!! Ви в нас самі мужні, сміливі наші найкращі захисники!

[@roberthuxoll8500]

22:35 With such brave men and women I am sure Ukraine will win against the russian terrorists! Слава захисникам України! 🇺🇦 🙏

[@user-oz1di7mz7z]

Неймовірні, Люди, Велетні, Боги! Наші найдорожчі воїни!

[@sergtimosh]

Those type of people that know the value of life but overcome the fear to do the job. All on their faces

[@andryk669]

Слава Україні 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 Слава ЗСУ! Слава Українським Соколам!!!

[@banjo9549]

Good I was hoping you were! Thanks guys

[@rolandsheroziya]

Топ Ґан відпочиває. Слава Героям

[@HarryPotter-rs8uz]

Ви є українські скарби! Дякуємо Вам! Здоров'я та довгих років життя! Божого захисту Вам!💙💛

[@user-og2ti2wd5o]

Дякую військовим, що максимально викладаються. Дякую громацьмому за корисну роботу!

[@peterwallis4602]

Thanks for the English sub-titles. Ukrainians are top people. Huge respect from Australia. May Putin & his gang of orcs be kicked all the way back to '1991' .

[@truelies77765]

Австралия никогда не была самостоятельной страной. Все время оглядываетесь на США. Шавки позаборные. Мне вас жаль

[@peterwallis4602]

@@truelies77765 Ми молоді. Ми вільні, якими хоче бути Україна Slava Ukraini. Freedom is worth fighting for

[@alanshackelford6450]

Tough interview, even to simply watch. Slava Ukraini!

[@susansmith9263]

Prayers for these brave pilots. Tough to lose your mates. 😔 The airspace over Ukraine is full of threats for fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. A bright spot, Ukraine has shot down a quarter of Russia's best attack helicopters. May God protect all defenders of Ukraine. Slàva Ykpaïha! Heròyam Slàva! 🇺🇲 🇺🇦

[@Ale-xv1ld]

Слава нашим героям! Вічна память полеглим воїнам..

[@oleksandr5382]

Люди круті!