In the early hours of March 22, Ukraine faced a significant aerial assault as Russia launched 139 drones, including Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas models. Ukrainian air defense forces successfully neutralized 127 of these threats, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
The drones were reportedly launched from various locations, including Orel, Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Shatalovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, with approximately 80 identified as Shahed drones. The Ukrainian defense employed a combination of aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups to counter the attack.
As of 08:30, preliminary reports indicated that the air defense had intercepted or suppressed 127 enemy drones across northern, southern, and eastern Ukraine. The assault resulted in eight drones striking seven locations, with debris from the downed drones also landing in seven areas.
The Ukrainian Air Force noted that the attack was ongoing, with several Russian drones still active in the airspace.
Ukraine's air defense managed to intercept a vast majority of drones launched by Russia in a recent attack. Despite the successful defense, some drones did manage to strike multiple locations.