On the night of June 25, Ukraine was subjected to a massive strike from Russia. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the enemy attacked the country from several directions simultaneously, deploying a whole swarm of attack unmanned aerial vehicles and a ballistic missile.
Multivector Strike
The attack was planned in such a way as to overload air defense systems. Drones launched from the territory of Russia itself, as well as from occupied territories. According to intelligence, targets flew from Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Shatalovo, Orel, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. In addition, the threat came from Crimea and the Donetsk region.
Air Defense Performance and Consequences
The Ukrainian air defense system worked at the limit of its capabilities. According to preliminary data, current as of 08:30 in the morning, Ukrainian crews destroyed or suppressed 83 enemy drones. Despite this, some targets broke through to their destination.
The following results of the attack were recorded:
- Direct hit by a ballistic missile.
- Hit by six attack drones in seven different locations.
- Debris from shot-down targets fell in nine places, which also caused destruction.
The Ukrainian Air Force notes that the process of repelling the attack is ongoing.
Context of Escalation
This strike comes against the backdrop of recent statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On June 24, the head of state reported that since June 22, relays for guiding "Shahed" type drones located on the territory of Belarus had stopped working. However, the question of whether these objects were physically dismantled remains open.
Zelenskyy previously instructed intelligence and the armed forces to act in advance, launching preemptive strikes on objects that Russia uses to escalate the conflict. The night attack indicates that the enemy continues to increase the intensity of hostilities, using massed barrages of drones and missiles.