In the early hours of April 29, Russian forces launched a significant drone assault on Ukraine, deploying 171 strike drones, including the Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas models. Ukrainian Air Force officials reported that their defense systems successfully neutralized 154 of these drones during the operation.
The attack commenced around 6 PM local time on April 28, with drones originating from various locations, including Kursk, Shatalovo, Orel, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, as well as from occupied territories in Donetsk and Crimea. Approximately 120 of the drones were identified as Shahed models.
By 8 AM, Ukrainian defense forces, utilizing aerial units, anti-aircraft missile systems, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups, had intercepted or suppressed the majority of the incoming drones across northern, southern, and eastern regions of the country.
Reports indicated that 12 drones struck ten different sites, and debris from the downed drones fell across 12 localities. Ukrainian officials urged residents to remain vigilant as the airspace continued to be contested.
“The attack is ongoing, and several enemy drones remain in the airspace. Please adhere to safety protocols,” the Air Force stated.
A large-scale drone attack by Russian forces on Ukraine was largely thwarted by Ukrainian air defense systems, which intercepted 154 out of 171 drones. The ongoing threat from remaining drones prompted officials to advise caution among civilians.