On April 16, Russian forces launched a significant attack on Ukraine, utilizing an Iskander-M ballistic missile and deploying 172 drones, primarily targeting various regions across the country. Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted 147 of these drones, but confirmed that the missile and 20 attack drones struck eight different locations.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the missile was launched from occupied Crimea, while the drones originated from several Russian cities, including Bryansk, Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. Over 120 of the drones were identified as Shahed-type attack drones.
In response to the assault, Ukrainian defense forces employed aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare troops, and mobile fire groups to counter the aerial threat. As of 8 a.m. on April 17, the attack was still ongoing.
Additionally, on the night of April 17, Russian forces targeted critical infrastructure in Chernihiv, resulting in fires and leaving approximately 6,000 residents without electricity.
Russian forces intensified their assault on Ukraine with missile and drone strikes on April 16, leading to significant interceptions by Ukrainian air defense. The attacks continued into April 17, impacting critical infrastructure and civilian power supply.