In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched over 150 drones and missiles targeting multiple locations across Ukraine during the night. The attacks were reported from various regions, indicating a widespread offensive.
The Russian military deployed two types of weaponry: guided aerial missiles, specifically Kh-59/69, which were launched from the Voronezh region, and a total of 166 strike drones. Among the drones used were Shahed models, including jet-powered variants, as well as Gerbera, Italmas, and loitering munitions known as “Banderolet” and imitators referred to as “Parody.”
Launch sites included the regions of Oryol, Kursk, Bryansk, Primorsk-Akhtarsk, and Millerovo, along with temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk and Crimea.
The Ukrainian Air Force responded by deploying aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare divisions, drone systems, and mobile fire groups from the Defense Forces. Preliminary reports by 08:00 indicated that 146 enemy drones, including various models such as Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas, had been intercepted or suppressed.
Despite these defenses, 17 strike drones and both missiles successfully reached their targets, impacting 18 locations. Additionally, debris from intercepted drones fell in eight other areas. As of the morning, hostile drones remained active in Ukrainian airspace.
The recent Russian offensive involved a large-scale deployment of drones and missiles across Ukraine, prompting a robust defensive response from Ukrainian forces. Despite significant interceptions, some attacks succeeded in reaching their targets.