Ukraine Shoots Down 10 Missiles and Over 20 Drones in Overnight Russian Attacks

In a series of overnight Russian Attacks on the capital city Kyiv, the city of Dnipro, and eastern regions, Ukraine successfully shot down 10 missiles and over 20 drones launched by Russia, according to Ukrainian officials on Friday. This escalation of missile and drone attacks by Russia comes as Ukraine prepares for an anticipated counteroffensive.

Ukrainian Air Force Defends Against the Russian Attacks

The Ukrainian air force played a crucial role in defending against the missile and drone attacks. They reported shooting down 10 missiles fired from the Caspian Sea, along with 23 Iranian-made Shahed drones and two reconnaissance drones. In total, the attacks involved 17 missiles and 31 drones, lasting from 10:00 p.m. (1900 GMT) on Thursday until 5:00 a.m. on Friday.

(Also Read: Explosion rocks Russian city of Krasnodar amid rising tensions with Ukraine)

Targets Hit and Damage Incurred

The attacks targeted various regions, with drones and missiles hitting locations in the Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions. While there were no immediate reports of casualties, the damage caused by the attacks was significant. The Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, Serhiy Lysak, described the night as “very difficult,” stating that the enemy’s mass attack resulted in damage to houses, cars, and private companies, including a transport company and a gas station. Similarly, officials in Kyiv reported damage to the roof of a shopping mall, a private house, and several cars. The governor of the Kharkiv region also noted damage to private houses and industrial facilities.

Russian Aggression and Targeting Critical Infrastructure

Russia’s intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukraine reflect their ongoing aggression, which began with a full-scale invasion 15 months ago. Since last October, Russia has launched hundreds of missile attacks with the aim of destroying critical infrastructure and power facilities. The focus of these strikes has now shifted towards disrupting Ukraine’s preparations for a counterattack.

(Also Read: Ukraine Successfully Shoots Down 36 Iranian-Made Drones Launched by Russia in Overnight Attacks)