Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a wave of Russian missiles and drones overnight.
Nighttime Onslaught from Russia
The assault began in the early hours of May 26, when Russian forces launched an extensive attack against multiple regions in Ukraine.
According to Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, the barrage included 14 air-launched missiles and 31 strike drones.
The attack came from various locations, including Russia's Tambov and Saratov regions, as well as Crimea.
The offensive featured a mix of hypersonic and cruise missiles, along with numerous drones. The Russian arsenal included two Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles launched from MiG-31K aircraft, 12 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers, and 31 Shahed-131/136 drones.
These drones were deployed from Primorsko-Akhtarsk and Yeysk in Russia, and from Cape Chauda in Crimea.
Ukraine's Robust Defense Response
Ukraine's defense response was multifaceted, involving anti-aircraft missile units, fighter aircraft, and electronic warfare teams.
These units worked in coordination with mobile fire groups from the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Their concerted efforts resulted in the successful downing of 12 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles and all 31 Shahed-131/136 strike drones.
The intercepted enemy targets were headed for various regions, including Mykolaiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, and Chernihiv.
The destruction of these threats helped prevent potential widespread damage and casualties in these areas.
