Nighttime defense of Kyiv became proof of the effectiveness of recently deployed systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally explained to journalists why Ukrainian air defenses were able to successfully repel the threat of ballistic missiles, despite the massive nature of the attack.
The Role of New Deliveries in Defense
The key factor in success was the use of missiles from a fresh delivery package for the Patriot surface-to-air missile system. As the head of state stated while speaking with the press near the damaged Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, it was precisely these means that allowed for the interception of high-precision ballistic targets.
"Air defenses used missiles from the package for Patriot, recently delivered to Ukraine, during the repulsion of the night attack, so there was something to shoot down the ballistics," emphasized Zelenskyy. The American Patriot complex, known for its ability to intercept ballistic missiles, demonstrated its effectiveness in real combat conditions.
Scale of the Attack and Consequences
The night of June 15 became one of the heaviest for the capital. The Air Force of Ukraine clarified the details of the massive strike: a total of 632 air objects were intercepted. The enemy struck the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra directly, where the Dormition Cathedral sustained damage. Destruction was recorded in 10 districts of Kyiv.
Not only historical sites but also the country's cultural heritage suffered. As a result of the shelling of the Dovzhenko Film Studio, Ukraine's largest costume collection was destroyed. About one hundred thousand costumes and three million units of clothing perished, which is a colossal loss for the domestic film industry.
Consequences for the Population and Restoration Plans
Strikes were not only launched at the center of the capital but also at the Kyiv region. Among the victims are children, which highlights the high level of danger for the civilian population. In response to the destruction, the president reported that the government will soon allocate funds from the reserve fund for priority restoration work at the Lavra.
Events of the last few hours again demonstrate how critically important modern air defense systems are for protecting infrastructure and human lives in the conditions of the ongoing war.