Ukraine intercepts 115 drones and five missiles in mass Russian air assault

The mass, coordinated drone swarm consisted of Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmaz strike drones, alongside Parodiya-type decoy drones designed to overwhelm air defense radars. According to military officials, defensive operations successfully neutralized the threats across northern, southern, and eastern oblasts.

Despite the high interception rate, the Air Force reported that two missiles and eight strike drones managed to slip through, striking seven different locations. Additionally, falling debris and downed targets were recorded at five other sites. The single Kh-31P anti-radiation missile failed to reach its target.

As of 8 a.m., the Air Force noted that the Russian attack was ongoing, with several enemy UAVs still tracked in Ukrainian airspace.

The overnight attack follows a deadly series of attacks on the port city of Odesa.

On the evening of July 16, Russian forces launched a missile strike on the city, killing two people and injured 10 others, including three children, Oblast Military Administration wrote.

Later in the night, Russia targeted Odesa with a follow-up missile strike, damaging a local auto repair shop.