In the early hours of April 21, Ukraine faced a significant aerial assault from Russia, involving the launch of 143 attack drones and two ballistic missiles. Ukrainian defense forces, including aviation units, anti-aircraft personnel, electronic warfare teams, and mobile fire groups, responded to the attack.
According to military experts, the drones, identified as Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, and various modifications, were launched from multiple locations:
- Regions in Russia, including Kursk, Bryansk, Oryol, and Milleryovo;
- Primorsko-Akhtarsk, also within Russian territory;
- Gvardeyskoye, from the temporarily occupied Crimea;
- Occupied areas in Donetsk.
The two ballistic missiles, classified as Iskander-M, were fired from the Kursk region.
As of 8:00 AM, preliminary reports indicated that Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted or neutralized 116 enemy drones across the northern, southern, and eastern parts of the country. One of the ballistic missiles was shot down, while the status of the second remains unclear.
Despite these efforts, 22 drones managed to reach their intended targets, resulting in strikes on 17 locations. Additionally, debris from the intercepted drones fell on seven other sites.
As of the morning, hostile drones continue to be detected in Ukrainian airspace. The Air Forces of Ukraine have urged the public to adhere to safety protocols and remain vigilant in response to air raid alerts.
Ukraine's air defense successfully intercepted a majority of the drones launched by Russia in a recent attack, but some managed to reach their targets, causing damage. The ongoing threat from aerial assaults has prompted authorities to remind citizens to stay alert and follow safety guidelines.