Ukrainian Helicopters decries another groundless smear campaign
Ukrainian Helicopters has denounced what it calls another baseless and manipulative information attack accusing the company of alleged ties with the aggressor state, emphasizing the legality of its operations and its readiness to provide full clarification.
"Any attempt to link our company's activities to the aggressor state is unfounded. We have informed our legitimate partners in the United States about the investigation being conducted by Ukrainian journalists and await their response," said Serhiy Bukoros, CEO of Ukrainian Helicopters, at a press conference held at the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.
According to Bukoros, following the expiration of lease agreements and the return of Mi-8 helicopters to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense and National Guard after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian Helicopters swiftly adapted its operations to the new circumstances. To ensure uninterrupted fulfillment of its international contracts, the company partnered with a U.S.-based firm from which it now leases helicopters.
"The ownership of an aircraft is defined by its owner – not the country where it was manufactured. We thoroughly verified the origin of these helicopters and fully complied with all legal requirements, including sanctions restrictions," Bukoros said.
He stressed that suggesting a link to the aggressor state based solely on the fact that these helicopters were manufactured in Russia in the 1990s is purely manipulative.
"We've considered whether leasing or purchasing helicopters made in Russia in the 1990s is ethical. Our position is that if it's legal, then it's ethical. Ethical conduct means doing business in accordance with Ukrainian law and complying with sanctions imposed by international bodies, the United States, the European Union, and Ukraine," the CEO said.
The company added that the aircraft mentioned in recent media reports were registered in Ukraine prior to the full-scale invasion, and that, in line with Ukrainian legislation, all information on these civil helicopters is publicly available on the website of the State Aviation Administration.
Ukrainian Helicopters also categorically denied any association with Kyiv-born Andrei Martirosov, CEO of Russia's UTair, which for years dominated UN aviation contracts in Africa.
"We have no ties to this company. On the contrary, it is a direct competitor that has repeatedly hindered the work of Ukrainian airlines," Bukoros stated.
He emphasized that Ukrainian Helicopters continues to carry out vital humanitarian missions, including firefighting and medevac operations – among them night evacuations, which are unique globally and not undertaken by any other company.
Bukoros recalled that in early 2022, the company was already subjected to an information attack. Its CEO and owner, Volodymyr Tkachenko, was detained on fabricated charges, but a court cleared him of all suspicion the very next day due to lack of evidence. He was released and has continued his work.
The company added that it pays significant taxes on time and has donated UAH 276.5 million to charitable causes since the war began, including UAH 192.4 million to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Seventy-seven employees of Ukrainian Helicopters are currently serving in Ukraine's Defense Forces, continuing their professional mission under wartime conditions. Tragically, eight of them – including pilots – have been killed in the line of duty.
"Ukrainian Helicopters is one of the industry's leaders and operates a fairly profitable business. Naturally, there are those who may feel excluded from these earnings. While we're not yet ready to name who's behind or supplying this type of information, if developments continue, we will be ready to speak openly. We have nothing to hide. We're fully transparent and currently simply defending ourselves," said Lesia Chervynska, the company's Communications Director.
According to business analytics platform YouControl, Ukrainian Helicopters increased its revenue by 17.3% in 2024, reaching UAH 4.71 billion. However, the company posted a net loss of UAH 52.56 million, compared to a net profit of UAH 55.1 million in 2023.