Ukraine repels major overnight drone attack as strikes hit 11 locations
Air defenses shot down 97 drones (illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Russia launched 119 attack drones against Ukraine overnight on June 17. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted most of the incoming UAVs, though several strikes were recorded, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
The enemy attacked with 119 strike drones, including Shahed UAVs (including jet-powered variants), Gerbera, Italmas, and Parodiya decoy drones, launched from the directions of Bryansk, Kursk, Millerovo, and Oryol in Russia, as well as Chauda in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of Ukraine's Defense Forces.
According to preliminary data, as of 8:00 a.m., air defenses had shot down or suppressed 97 enemy Shaheds, Gerbera, Italmas, and other types of drones in the north, south, and east of the country.
Hits by 20 strike drones were recorded at 11 locations, while debris from downed drones fell at six locations.
"The attack is ongoing, with several enemy drones still in the airspace. Follow safety precautions," the Air Force warned.
Attacks on Ukraine
On the evening of June 16, Russia launched strikes on Zaporizhzhia. One person was killed, while three others sought medical assistance.
On the night of June 15, Russia carried out a combined attack on Kyiv. Residential buildings, high-rise apartment blocks, and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra were damaged, and dozens of people were injured.
Russian forces also launched a second strike on Kharkiv, killing five emergency responders from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. They were extinguishing a fire caused by an earlier attack.
In addition, Russian forces struck a zoo in Kharkiv. Animals were injured as a result of the attack.
According to the United Nations, May 2026 became the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine in the past four years, with the total number of casualties exceeding 2,000 people in a single month.
The main reason was Russia's use of powerful weapons in urban areas, with missiles and aerial bombs repeatedly causing dozens of deaths and injuries in a single strike.
