Shelling of Ukraine on August 15: Air Forces comment on Russian attack
Yurii Ihnat, the Spokesperson of the Air Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Photo: mil.in.ua)
Russians launched a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine overnight from air and sea bases. The country's air defense forces managed to intercept 16 out of 24 aerial targets, according to Yurii Ihnat, the Spokesperson of the Air Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"We don't publicly disclose the exact targets the Russians attempted to hit. We can speak about regions, critical infrastructure objects, or military facilities. Top military officials will report the aftermath. This information is sensitive, and the enemy could draw certain conclusions," Ignat stated.
He revealed that an air raid alarm sounded across Ukraine, lasting until practically dawn. The adversary deployed cruise missiles from both air and sea bases.
Specifically, Tu-22M3 aircraft from the "Shaykovka" and "Mozdok" airfields struck the Donetsk region with Kh-22 missiles, targeting the Kramatorsk area.
Subsequent launches were observed from the Caspian Sea. Strategic aviation Tu-95 aircraft executed strikes using Kh-101 and Kh-555 missiles. Roughly 20 missiles were launched from the strategic aviation fleet.
"Across our nation, our air defense system was effectively engaged in areas where the missile routes were traced. Adding the 'Kalibr' missiles from the Black Sea, we intercepted 16 out of 24 cruise missiles. Unfortunately, we were unable to neutralize the Kh-22 missiles. As you know, these missiles travel on a ballistic trajectory," the spokesperson recounted.
Furthermore, launches of S-300 or S-400 missiles were detected in the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions. According to Ihnat, the adversary persists in launching guided anti-aircraft missiles on a ballistic trajectory.
Ihnat also noted that Kh-555, Kh-101, and Kalibr missiles constitute a typical arsenal Russian forces employ for strikes. This time, there were no Shahed drones.
Regarding the nature of the attack, he explained that Russia employs cruise missiles that move in one direction but change course mid-flight.
"The individual posting messages on our Telegram channel essentially has time to write three words to alert us while the missile has already changed direction. Hence, the enemy programs missile routes to confuse anti-aircraft defenses and mislead us. Ultimately, our Air Force is prepared for such situations. The only question is that we need more resources to neutralize more missiles as they approach our borders," the spokesperson emphasized.
Nighttime shelling of Ukraine
Due to the nighttime missile attack by Russia, explosions resounded in multiple cities.
In Lviv, impacts on residential buildings and a kindergarten area were recorded.
In Lutsk, hits struck one of the industrial facilities, resulting in the death of three people.
In Dnipro, an industrial facility was also targeted, causing injuries to two individuals.
