Ukraine experienced a significant Russian missile and drone attack in the early hours of Saturday. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 37 missiles and three drones during the assault. Out of these, eight missiles were intercepted by Ukraine’s air defenses. However, this interception rate was lower than usual, which might be linked to Ukraine’s reported deficit of air defense missiles.
The majority of the missiles used in the attack were described as fast-moving ballistic types, which are notably more challenging to intercept. The Ukrainian air force also stated that more than 20 of the weapons launched by Russia did not reach their targets, attributing this to effective countermeasures through electronic warfare.
Ukrainian servicemen prepare an AN/TWQ-1 Avenger mobile air defence missile system for work during their combat shift, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, outside of Kyiv, Ukraine June 16, 2023. REUTERS/Anna Voitenko
Local officials from at least five regions across Ukraine reported that their air defenses engaged Russian missiles. The southeastern city of Dnipro was struck, although specific details of the targets hit were not disclosed. In the northern region of Chernihiv, a downed missile created a large crater, damaging several buildings, including private homes. There were no reported human casualties from this specific incident, but a dog was killed.
These recent attacks are part of a pattern of escalated assaults by Russia, including the use of a large number of missiles and drones, targeting Ukraine’s major cities and infrastructure. These events are occurring as Ukraine continues to rely on military and financial support from allies amid the ongoing conflict.
