In the early hours of April 18, Ukrainian air defense forces successfully repelled a significant drone attack by Russia, which involved 219 drones launched from seven different directions.
The assault, which occurred overnight, included 21 strike drones of various types, including Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas, originating from locations such as Shatalovo, Bryansk, Kursk, Oryol, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, and Chayda in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea.
Approximately 150 of the drones deployed were identified as Shahed models. Ukrainian defense efforts involved aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups from the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
By 8:30 AM, preliminary reports indicated that Ukrainian forces had intercepted or neutralized 190 enemy drones of various types across the northern, southern, and eastern regions of the country.
However, 28 drones successfully struck 17 locations, with debris from downed drones landing in nine areas. The Ukrainian Air Force issued a warning, stating, “The attack is ongoing; several enemy drones remain in the airspace. Please adhere to safety regulations!”
Ukrainian air defense forces effectively countered a large-scale drone attack from Russia on April 18, intercepting most of the incoming drones. Despite the defense efforts, some drones managed to hit various locations across the country.