Ukrainian Air Force spokesman reveals details of Russia's overnight strike on energy grid
Yurii Ihnat, Spokesperson of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (photo: Getty Images)
Russian forces carried out another attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The distinctive feature of this strike was that most of the missiles used were ballistic, according to a statement by Yurii Ihnat, Spokesperson of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"Today, the distinctive feature of the attack was that, in addition to 320 strike UAVs of the Shahed, Geran, and other types, 37 missiles were used," said Yurii Ihnat, Spokesperson of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to him, Russia mainly used ballistic missiles this time — 28 missiles following a ballistic trajectory (two Kinzhal and 26 Iskander-M).
He also emphasized that these missiles can only be intercepted by systems capable of countering ballistic threats — namely, the Patriot systems.
"The question of their availability here remains open. We understand that the President of Ukraine, in nearly every address, appeals to partners to strengthen air defense specifically with Patriot systems, which are capable of shooting down ballistic missiles that were, in fact, used in today's attack," added the Air Force Command spokesperson.
However, data on today's attack is still being clarified, as it was massive and it is difficult to determine all the details immediately.
Ihnat reminded that the Air Force reported explosions at 14 locations today, caused by 17 missiles and several drones.
"Information is still being clarified, as data on the remaining missiles will be collected from the sites. We will see where they hit and whether they reached their targets," emphasized the head of the Air Force Command Communications Department.
Attack on Ukraine on October 16
The Air Force reported that during the night of October 16, the enemy launched 357 aerial attack assets against Ukraine — 37 missiles and 320 drones of various types.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also commented on Russia's overnight air terror on October 16. According to the head of state, infrastructure in the Vinnytsia, Sumy, and Poltava regions came under attack.
In the Chernihiv region, Russia struck the city of Nizhyn — a postal facility was damaged, and one person was injured.
In the Kharkiv region, Russian forces targeted critical infrastructure and a rescue unit.
