In the early hours of May 22, Ukraine faced a significant aerial assault involving 124 Russian drones, including Shahed-type strike drones, Gerbera, Italmas, and imitation drones known as Parody. Ukrainian Air Force officials reported that their defense systems successfully intercepted 115 of these drones.
The drones were launched from various locations within Russia, including Kursk, Shatalovo, Orel, Bryansk, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, as well as from the occupied territory of Crimea. The Ukrainian defense employed a combination of aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups to counter the attack.
According to preliminary reports, as of 08:00, the air defense systems had neutralized 115 enemy drones across northern, southern, and eastern Ukraine. There were confirmed strikes from seven drones at five different locations, and debris from intercepted drones was found in several areas.
The Ukrainian military indicated that the assault was ongoing, with several Russian drones still operating in the airspace.
Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted a majority of the drones launched by Russia in a recent attack, with reports indicating that 115 out of 124 drones were neutralized. The incident highlights the ongoing aerial confrontations between the two nations.