Ukraine Reports Massive Drone Attack by Russia: 67 Shahed Drones Launched Overnight
In the early hours of Saturday, Ukraine faced a significant drone assault, with Russia launching 67 Shahed drones across multiple regions. Ukraine’s air force managed to intercept and shoot down 58 of the drones, minimizing damage from the latest wave of attacks.
Widespread Air Defense Activation Across Ukraine
According to a statement from the Ukrainian air force, the mass attack set off air defense alarms across 11 regions. Ukrainian forces scrambled into action as drones, equipped for long-range strikes, were detected coming from multiple launch sites, including Russian-controlled territories.
Debris Near Kyiv’s Parliament Building
In a rare occurrence, drone debris was discovered in the heart of Kyiv, close to the Ukrainian Parliament building. Images shared on the Parliament’s official Telegram account showed scattered pieces of the downed drones near the steps of the building’s main entrance. Some of the metal debris appeared to be punctured with shrapnel, signaling the intensity of the explosions.
Central Kyiv is typically well-defended by a combination of Soviet-era and Western-donated air defense systems, making it unusual for Russian drones or missiles to penetrate this deeply into the city. The government quarter, home to the offices of the president, cabinet, and other critical institutions, is among the most protected areas in Ukraine.
Kyiv Residents Awoken by Explosions
Around 3 a.m. local time, a series of loud explosions were heard across Kyiv. The blasts were strong enough to wake up residents, with some explosions sounding near the city center. This is part of a continuing pattern of attacks that Ukraine has faced since the beginning of Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Russia’s Use of Shahed Drones: A Cost-Effective Tactic
Russia has increasingly relied on Shahed drones as an alternative to missiles. These Iranian-designed drones, which have been in use since September 2022, offer a cheaper and more expendable solution. With a speed of less than 200 km per hour (125 miles per hour) and a low flight path, Shahed drones can evade some conventional air defense systems. They also emit far less heat than missiles, making them harder to detect.
Despite their relatively slow speed, the Shahed drones can still inflict considerable damage, especially when launched in large numbers. The drones involved in this latest attack were reportedly launched from Russian border regions and the occupied Crimean Peninsula.
Ongoing Threats from the Sky
Russia has unleashed thousands of missiles and drones into Ukraine since the start of the invasion, causing widespread destruction and disruption. The Shahed drones, in particular, have become a key part of Russia’s ongoing strategy, putting pressure on Ukraine’s air defense systems. While many drones are intercepted, as in this most recent attack, the threat remains constant.
Ukraine continues to rely on a combination of old and new defense systems to protect its cities, with Kyiv’s defenses standing strong despite the relentless bombardment.