No ballistic missiles intercepted in Kyiv attack: Air Force explains why
Photo: The aftermath of the July 6 attack on Kyiv (https://t.me/dsns_telegram)
Ukraine's air defenses did not intercept a single ballistic missile launched at Kyiv overnight, although they achieved a high interception rate against cruise missiles and Kalibr missiles, according to Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat during the national telethon.
How many weapons did Russia use?
Russia launched 419 aerial attack weapons against Ukraine overnight. Kyiv was the primary target.
The attack included:
- 68 missiles of various types;
- 351 attack drones.
Ukraine's air defenses shot down 31 Kh-101 cruise missiles, six Kalibr cruise missiles, and hundreds of drones. However, 23 ballistic missiles, six anti-ship missiles, and 18 attack drones struck targets at 34 locations. Debris from intercepted targets also fell at 16 locations.
Why the ballistic missiles were not intercepted
According to the Air Force spokesperson, the main reason was a shortage of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems. Ihnat said Russia is exploiting this shortage by relying on ballistic missiles, which are much harder to intercept than cruise missiles or drones.
"There is a significant shortage in Ukraine, and there is also a serious global shortage of interceptor missiles," Ihnat said.
He added that the interception rate for cruise missiles overnight was close to 100%, while the results against ballistic missiles were significantly worse.
What Ihnat said about preparations for the attack
The Air Force spokesperson said that ahead of the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had publicly warned both Ukrainians and the country's partners about the threat.
"The President of Ukraine had already spoken publicly. Before such massive attacks, he usually addresses both Ukrainians and our partners, especially our partners," Ihnat said.
According to him, the president's remarks specifically focused on the need for Patriot systems and interceptor missiles, an issue that had also been discussed through diplomatic channels.
Aftermath of the overnight attack on Kyiv
Meanwhile, the death toll from the overnight attack in Kyiv rose sharply. The city's mayor reported 11 people killed and 46 injured, while damage was recorded in several districts of the capital.
Search and rescue operations at the sites of the destroyed residential buildings are ongoing.
As RBC-Ukraine previously reported, Russia used not only ballistic missiles but also Zircon and Oniks missiles during the attack, some of which Ukraine's air defenses were unable to intercept.
According to preliminary data, Ukraine's air defenses destroyed or suppressed 363 of the 419 aerial targets.
