Ukraine’s air force reported on Saturday that Russia launched a massive overnight attack using 67 long-range Shahed drones, with Ukrainian forces successfully intercepting 58 of them. This large-scale assault marks one of the most significant drone attacks on Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022.
The air force statement, released on the Telegram messaging app, indicated that air defense units were activated in 11 regions across Ukraine, highlighting the widespread nature of the attack. The assault began around 3 a.m. local time (0000 GMT), with Reuters correspondents in Kyiv reporting a series of explosions that resonated loudly throughout the city center, jolting residents awake.
In a rare breach of Kyiv’s robust air defenses, drone debris was discovered near the parliament building in the heart of the capital. The Ukrainian legislature shared photographs on its official Telegram channel showing at least four pieces of debris scattered on the ground near the building. One fragment was found at the foot of the steps leading to the main entrance, while another piece of metal appeared to be riddled with shrapnel.
The incident is particularly noteworthy given the stringent security measures in place around Kyiv’s government quarter. This area, which includes the offices of the president, cabinet, and the central bank, is considered one of the most heavily defended locations in Ukraine. The city’s air defense network comprises both Soviet-era systems and Western-donated equipment, making it challenging for Russian projectiles to penetrate so deeply into the urban core.
Ukraine’s air force reported that the drones were launched from two border regions within Russia, as well as from the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula. The Shahed drones, of Iranian design, have been a staple of Russian attacks since September 2022. These unmanned aerial vehicles serve as a cost-effective alternative to missiles, which are more expensive and complex to manufacture.
The Shahed drones present unique challenges for air defense systems. Despite their relatively slow speed of less than 200 km per hour (125 miles per hour), their low-flying capability and minimal heat signature make them difficult to track and intercept using conventional means.
REUTERS
