In the early hours of April 14, Russian forces executed a significant aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying four guided missiles and 129 drones, primarily of the Shahed type. Ukrainian air defense systems successfully intercepted one missile and 114 drones during the operation.
The attack commenced around 6:00 PM on April 13, with the adversary utilizing four Kh-59/69 guided missiles launched from the temporarily occupied Donetsk region, alongside a variety of drones including the Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas models.
Drone launches originated from multiple locations in Russia, including Kursk, Orel, Bryansk, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, as well as from occupied territories in Donetsk and Crimea. Approximately 90 of the drones deployed were identified as Shahed units.
The Ukrainian defense forces employed a combination of aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare divisions, drone systems, and mobile fire groups to counter the aerial threat. Preliminary reports by 8:00 AM indicated that air defense forces had neutralized or suppressed one guided missile and 114 hostile drones across northern, southern, and eastern Ukraine.
According to the Air Force, the assault resulted in the impact of 12 strike drones across eight locations, with debris falling in five areas. Information regarding three enemy missiles is still being verified.
Despite the defensive efforts, the Russian aerial assault persisted, with several drones remaining active in Ukrainian airspace.
Additionally, on the night of April 14, Russian forces launched a mass attack with Shahed drones targeting southern Odesa. This resulted in damage to a civilian vessel registered in Panama, as well as to a pier and barge at the Izmail port. A service station building was destroyed, leading to a subsequent fire, and two passenger buses along with seven private vehicles were also lost.
In the morning, Russian Shahed drones targeted Kryvyi Rih, causing infrastructure damage and igniting a fire. Local authorities reported no casualties at this time, and all emergency services were dispatched to the affected areas.
On April 14, Russian forces conducted a large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine, utilizing drones and missiles. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept a significant number of these threats, although damage was reported in several regions.