Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted and downed 15 Russian drones during a nighttime attack that unfolded on Friday into Saturday, as confirmed by the Ukrainian Air Force in Kyiv.
The same source also disclosed that 17 Iranian-made Shahed drones were employed in the aerial assault, with no further details provided regarding the fate of the remaining two drones.
Taking to Telegram, the Ukrainian Air Force reported, “Russian forces launched an attack from the north using Shahed 136/131 attack aircraft. A total of 17 attack drones were deployed from the Kursk region.” The statement further noted the activation of the country’s air defenses in “northern and central areas, as well as western regions.”
“A total of 15 enemy helicopters were destroyed by the efforts of our air force units in collaboration with air defense systems from various Ukrainian defense components,” the source added.
The ongoing conflict, which dates back to February 2022, has recently witnessed repeated instances of aerial and naval incursions. Amidst these developments, Ukraine has launched counter-offensives aimed at regaining control over territories currently held by Russia.
In response, Moscow has intensified its attacks on vital infrastructure such as Black Sea ports and the Danube River, following its withdrawal from an agreement that had allowed for the safe export of Ukrainian grains.
On Friday, Russia declared that its forces had successfully neutralized a Ukrainian drone targeting Moscow and the Black Sea Fleet.
In the theater of the frontlines, Ukrainian forces reportedly crossed into the eastern region under Russian control from the Kherson area. They have now established positions in the region, as confirmed by the Russian-appointed governor