In the early hours of May 31, the Russian military launched an extensive drone strike against Ukraine, deploying 229 attack drones, including models such as Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, and imitation drones known as Parody. Ukrainian Air Force officials reported that their defense systems successfully intercepted and neutralized 212 of these drones during the operation.
The assault began around 6:00 PM on May 30 and targeted various regions, with drones reportedly launched from multiple locations within Russia, including Oryol, Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Shatalovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, as well as from the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea.
By 8:30 AM on May 31, Ukrainian air defense units, which included aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups, had effectively downed or suppressed the majority of the incoming drones. The attacks resulted in 14 drones striking 11 different locations, with debris reported to have fallen in five areas.
“The attack is ongoing, and several enemy drones remain in Ukrainian airspace. Please adhere to safety protocols!” the Ukrainian Air Force advised.
This incident highlights the ongoing conflict and the persistent threat posed by drone warfare in the region, as both sides continue to adapt their military strategies in response to evolving technologies.
On May 31, Ukraine faced a significant drone attack from Russia, which involved 229 drones. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted 212 of these, illustrating the ongoing challenges of aerial warfare in the conflict.