In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a record 267 drones at Ukraine overnight, marking the largest aerial assault since its invasion began almost three years ago. The Ukrainian air force reported this unprecedented figure on Sunday, detailing that the drone attacks occurred during the night from Saturday to Sunday.
Ukrainian air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat disclosed that out of the 267 drones observed in their airspace, 138 were successfully intercepted by Ukraine’s air defense systems. Additionally, 119 drones were reported as “lost” without causing any damage to Ukrainian targets. The status of the remaining 10 drones is unclear; however, a separate communication from the Ukrainian armed forces confirmed that several regions, including the capital city of Kyiv, had experienced direct hits.
Amidst these strikes, a missile attack took place late Saturday in the central town of Kryvyi Rig, resulting in one fatality and wounding five individuals, according to local authorities. This incident highlights the continued threat posed by Russian military operations on urban centers within Ukraine.
In response to the ongoing aerial bombardments, Ukraine has consistently aimed to disrupt Russian military logistics beyond the frontline. This strategy includes targeting military bases and industrial sites within Russia itself in an effort to mitigate the frequency and impact of daily strikes against Ukrainian territories.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that 20 Ukrainian drones aimed at Russia were destroyed overnight, indicating a reciprocal exchange of drone warfare between the two nations.
Since the onset of the military conflict on February 24, 2022, the Kremlin has maintained that its operations are designed to protect itself from perceived threats, particularly concerning NATO expansion. The situation remains tense as both sides engage in intensified hostilities amid ongoing international scrutiny and calls for a resolution.
