'Rarely happens': Ukrainian Air Force Command reports on air defense success overnight
Photo: Head of Communications, Ukrainian Air Force Command, Yurii Ihnat (Getty Images)
During the massive attack on Ukraine overnight on March 14, Russia launched a large number of cruise missiles. However, Ukraine's air defense forces managed to destroy all of them, according to Yurii Ihnat, head of Communications for the Ukrainian Air Force Command, during a live telemarathon broadcast.
"Today there was another massive strike — about 500 aerial attack assets. These included missiles attacking on ballistic trajectories, such as Iskander-M or S-400, as well as two Zircon anti-ship missiles," Ihnat said.
He clarified that Patriot air defense systems and F-16 fighter jets engaged the enemy missiles.
"This allowed us to intercept most of the ballistic missiles or missiles attacking on ballistic trajectories. Additionally, we achieved 100% interception of today’s cruise missiles. It is very rare to intercept 100% of missiles like the Kh-101 or Kalibr," the spokesperson noted.
At the same time, he emphasized that this success is primarily due to Ukrainian pilots.
"The Air Force commander especially highlights the work of F-16 pilots and others, who shot down most of today’s cruise missiles. The 96th Kyiv Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade also performed well in intercepting missiles," Ihnat stressed.
He also mentioned strong results from interceptor drone crews.
"Many of the strike drones were intercepted using this innovative… I won't say it’s fully innovative yet, because the whole world is now interested in this method of downing and intercepting strike UAVs," Ihnat added.
Attack on Ukraine, March 14
It should be recalled that overnight on March 14, Russia attacked Ukraine with dozens of missiles of various types and 430 strike drones. Ukraine's air defense forces managed to shoot down most of the enemy targets.
At the same time, six missiles and 28 strike UAVs hit 11 locations, and fragments of downed drones fell in seven locations.
The main direction of the strike was the Kyiv region.
Several series of powerful explosions were reported in Kyiv, while Sumy and Zaporizhzhia regions were also targeted. There are reports of casualties in the Kyiv region.
The Russian attack damaged energy facilities in several regions of Ukraine. As a result, energy operators adjusted power outage schedules, and emergency shutdowns were introduced in some regions.
Read more about Russia’s overnight attack on Ukraine in the RBC-Ukraine report.
