In the early hours of February 15, Russian forces targeted Ukraine with a significant drone assault, deploying 83 strike drones from five different directions, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
The military reported that the drones included models such as Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas, launched from areas including Millerovo, Bryansk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, as well as from the occupied Crimean regions of Hvardiyiske and Chauda. Approximately 50 of the drones were identified as Shahed types.
As of 8:00 AM, preliminary data indicated that Ukrainian air defenses had successfully intercepted or neutralized 55 enemy drones, including various types. The attacks resulted in 25 drones striking 12 locations, with debris from the downed drones landing in three areas.
Russian military forces have been consistently targeting Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure using various weaponry, including strike drones, missiles, and multiple launch rocket systems.
Ukrainian authorities and international organizations have classified these strikes as war crimes, emphasizing their deliberate nature. They argue that the bombardment of essential services and healthcare facilities aims to deprive civilians of electricity, heating, water supply, communication, and medical assistance, which they consider indicative of genocidal actions.
In contrast, Russian leadership denies that its military is intentionally striking civilian infrastructure, asserting that its operations do not target non-combatants or essential services.
A large-scale drone attack by Russian forces on Ukraine involved 83 drones, with significant interceptions reported by Ukrainian air defenses. The ongoing assaults have drawn international condemnation, being labeled as war crimes due to their impact on civilian infrastructure.