Ukrainian Air Force intercepts 49 drones in Russian mass nighttime attack

The official data indicated the drones were launched from multiple directions: Kursk, Oryol, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, as well as Chauda and Hvardiiske in the temporarily occupied Crimea. The Iskander-M missile was launched from Russia’s Kursk Oblast.

The primary targets of the aerial assault were Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Odesa oblasts.

Ukraine’s air defenses — including fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare (EW) teams, UAV systems, and mobile fire groups — engaged the threat across the east, south, north, and center of the country.

40 drones were destroyed by direct fire, while 9 others were suppressed or lost due to electronic warfare systems.

Strikes by Russian aerial weapons were recorded in 14 locations, and drone debris was reported in two additional areas.

In Kharkiv, Russia launched 17 Shahed drones at two districts — Slobidskyi and Osnovianskyi. The attack caused direct hits on apartment buildings, private homes, playgrounds, businesses, and public transport infrastructure. Video and images show burning apartments, collapsed roofs, destroyed cars, and shattered windows.

Preliminary reports confirm two fatalities and 54 injuries, including five children. Several residents were rescued from homes engulfed in flames.

In Odesa Oblast, Russian drone strikes triggered fires and damaged summer cottages, utility buildings, private vehicles, and civilian watercraft.