In the early hours of March 30, Russia executed a significant military strike against Ukraine, deploying an Iskander-M ballistic missile and over 160 drones of various types, including approximately 90 Shahed drones.
The assault commenced around 6 PM on March 29, with the missile launched from temporarily occupied Crimea. The attack utilized a range of strike drones, including Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, and other unmanned aerial vehicles.
Launches originated from seven locations: Bryansk, Oryol, Kursk, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, as well as Chauda and Hvardiyiske in Crimea.
Ukrainian defense forces employed aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare units, drone systems, and mobile fire groups to counter the aerial assault.
As of 8:30 AM, preliminary reports indicated that Ukrainian air defense had intercepted or neutralized around 150 enemy drones.
However, the attack resulted in the impact of the ballistic missile and 12 strike drones at seven sites, with debris from downed drones also reported in two additional areas.
The Ukrainian Air Force issued a warning, stating, “The attack is ongoing, and several enemy drones remain in the airspace. Please follow safety regulations!”
A coordinated attack by Russia involving a ballistic missile and numerous drones targeted Ukraine, prompting a substantial defensive response. Ukrainian forces reported intercepting a majority of the incoming threats, though some impacts were confirmed across various locations.