Ukrainian forces have said they hit three Russian Ka-52 “Alligator” attack helicopters in just half an hour last night (Picture: REUTERS)

Vladimir Putin’s advances into Ukraine were dealt another huge blow as three Russian choppers were gunned down by defence forces in just half an hour, it has been claimed.

Last night three Ka-52 choppers became the latest casualties of Putin’s invasion, with an estimated 281 of the Kremlin’s helicopters downed since the outbreak of war 11 months ago.

The £12million single-seat aircraft is nicknamed the Black Shark and has been described as Russia’s ‘deadliest helicopter’.

It comes as former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a call to arms across the world asking for nations to give as much military support to Ukraine as possible.

Mr Johnson travelled to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Sunday, as he visited the outskirts before being received by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

He said it was a ‘privilege’ to visit the country at the invitation of Mr Zelensky, but the unannounced visit came as fresh questions over his personal finances emerged in the UK.

Earlier today Poland formally asked for approval from Germany to transfer some of its German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine

Ukrainian forces have asked for global support in the ongoing war against Russia (Picture: REUTERS)

Around 158 of the choppers have been shot down by Ukraine. This one was hit in July last year (Picture: Getty)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Boris to Ukrain in an unexpected visit this weekend (Picture: EPA)

Defence minister Mariusz Blaszczak said on Twitter: ‘The Germans have already received our request for consent to the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

‘I also appeal to the German side to join the coalition of countries supporting Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks.

‘This is our common cause, because it is about the security of the whole of Europe!’

The minster’s appeal heaps more pressure on Berlin to respond to Kyiv’s pleas and send its own shipment of vehicles into the battlefield.

The Ka-52’s battlefield management system allows it to share data with other aircraft to coordinate attacks.

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The air force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said today: ‘For half an hour of anti-aircraft combat from 00:00 to 00:30 on January 24, units of the anti-aircraft missile forces of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed three Russian Ka-52 attack helicopters in the eastern direction.’

Kyiv is anticipating an imminent three-pronged attack from the north in Belarus, from Russian strongholds of Donetsk and Luhansk in the east, and in the south from the Crimean peninsula.

If successful, Moscow’s troops would encircle defending forces in the pincer movement which would drive back Ukraine after a series of advances in recent months.

But today Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, told news site Delfi: ‘If the major Russian offensive planned for this time fails, it will be the ruin of Russia and Putin.’

US officials say Ukraine is planning to launching its own offensive after a stagnant winter, but have urged the nation to wait until spring once it has received more weaponry.

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An estimated 281 of the Kremlin’s helicopters have been shot down since the outbreak of war 11 months ago.