Ukraine downs 97 drones as Russia launches massive overnight attack
Illustrative photo: Ukrainian air defenses shot down 97 Russian drones (Getty Images)
Russia attacked Ukraine with 127 strike drones from seven directions overnight on August 23. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept most of the incoming drones, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
Russia launched 127 strike drones, including Shahed-type drones, jet-powered variants, Gerbera drones, and Parody decoy drones, from the following directions: Kursk, Millerovo, Oryol, Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, Donetsk in the temporarily occupied territory, and occupied Crimea.
The attack was countered by Ukrainian fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, drone units and mobile fire teams of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
As of 9 a.m., preliminary data showed that Ukrainian air defenses had shot down or suppressed 97 enemy drones over northern, southern and eastern Ukraine.
Hits by 27 strike drones were recorded at 22 locations, while debris from downed drones fell at three locations.
Ukrainian intelligence previously reported that Russia may be preparing new strikes on shopping malls in Ukrainian frontline cities, including possible attacks on shopping centers in Kryvyi Rih.
