In the early hours of April 22, a significant drone assault was executed by Russia against Ukraine, involving the launch of more than 200 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of various types. Ukrainian Air Force reported that while most of the drones were intercepted, there were confirmed impacts and debris falls in several regions.
The attack featured 215 strike drones, including models such as Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas, launched from multiple locations including:
- Kursk, Oryol, Bryansk, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and Shatalovo in Russia,
- Chaudah in temporarily occupied Crimea.
Approximately 140 of the drones deployed were identified as Shahed types. Ukrainian defense forces mobilized a comprehensive response, utilizing aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups to counter the aerial threat.
As of 8:00 AM, Ukrainian air defense had successfully shot down or suppressed 189 enemy drones. However, 24 strike UAVs were confirmed to have hit 13 locations, with debris reported in an additional six areas.
The Ukrainian Air Force indicated that the assault was ongoing, with hostile drones still present in the airspace.
A large-scale drone attack by Russian forces targeted Ukraine on April 22, launching over 200 UAVs. Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept most, but some drones struck various locations, leading to confirmed impacts.