In the early hours of April 18, the Russian military launched an extensive drone attack on Ukraine, deploying 219 strike drones, including models such as Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas. Ukrainian Air Force officials reported that their air defense systems successfully neutralized 190 of these drones during the confrontation.
The attack originated from multiple locations, including Shatalovo, Bryansk, Kursk, Oryol, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, as well as Chauda in the temporarily occupied Crimea. Approximately 150 of the drones involved were identified as Shahed models.
By 08:30 local time, Ukrainian forces, including aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare divisions, and mobile fire groups, had intercepted or suppressed 190 Russian drones across various regions of the country, including the north, south, and east.
Reports indicated that 28 of the attacking drones struck 17 locations, with debris falling in nine areas. Ukrainian authorities urged residents to adhere to safety protocols as the threat persisted.
“The attack continues, and several enemy drones remain in the airspace. Please follow safety regulations,” the statement from the Ukrainian Air Force advised.
A large-scale drone assault by Russian forces on Ukraine was largely thwarted by Ukrainian air defense systems, which intercepted the majority of incoming drones. The attack involved multiple drone types and originated from various locations within Russia.