Russian drone assault hits eastern and southern Ukraine, air defenses intercept most
Photo: Russia attacked eastern and southern Ukraine overnight with strike drones (Getty Images)
Russian forces attacked Ukraine overnight on December 16, launching strike drones from four different directions. Most of the enemy targets were neutralized by air defense forces, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.
"On the night of December 16, the enemy attacked with 69 strike UAVs, including Shahed-type drones, Gerbera drones, and other UAVs, launched from the directions of Oryol, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Millerovo in Russia, and Hvardiiske in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Around 40 of them were Shahed drones," the Air Force said.
It is reported that the air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems units, as well as mobile fire groups of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
According to preliminary data as of 09:00 a.m. local time, air defense forces shot down or suppressed 57 enemy drones of the Shahed, Gerbera, and other types over the southern and eastern regions of the country. At the same time, 10 strike drones hit targets at seven locations.
"The attack is ongoing. Several enemy UAVs remain in Ukrainian airspace. Please follow safety rules," the Air Force added.
Attack on Ukraine
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that last week, Russia carried out one of the largest series of air attacks on Ukraine, launching more than 1,500 strike drones, nearly 900 guided aerial bombs, and 46 missiles of various types.
It is also worth recalling that on the night of December 14, Russian forces carried out a massive aerial attack on the Odesa region, using various types of weapons.
In addition, on the evening of December 13, occupying forces continued to terrorize the Dnipropetrovsk region, striking populated areas and civilian infrastructure.
According to the Air Force, that night the enemy used an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 138 drones. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 110 enemy UAVs.
