In the early hours of April 21, the Russian military conducted a significant assault on Ukraine, deploying two Iskander-M ballistic missiles along with 143 strike drones, including models such as Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas. This attack was reported by the Ukrainian Air Force.
The Ukrainian defense forces responded effectively, managing to intercept and neutralize 116 drones and one missile. The operation took place from various locations within Russia, including the Kursk, Bryansk, and Orel regions, as well as from occupied territories in Crimea and Donetsk.
“On the night of April 21 (from 18:00 on April 20), the enemy attacked with two Iskander-M ballistic missiles from the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, and 143 strike UAVs of various types from directions including Kursk, Bryansk, Orel, Milleryovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, as well as Gvardeyske in occupied Crimea and occupied Donetsk, with approximately 80 of these being ‘Shaheds’,” the Ukrainian Air Force stated.
As of 09:00, Ukrainian air defense units, including aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups, had successfully downed or suppressed 116 Russian UAVs of various models across northern, southern, and eastern Ukraine, in addition to one Iskander-M missile.
Reports indicated that 22 strike drones were confirmed to have impacted 17 different locations within Ukraine.
“The attack is ongoing, and enemy UAVs remain in the airspace. Please adhere to safety protocols!” the statement concluded.
The Russian military launched a coordinated attack on Ukraine using missiles and drones, prompting a robust defensive response from Ukrainian forces. The incident highlights the ongoing conflict and the continued use of advanced military technology by both sides.