Kyiv reports interception of dozens of drones in overnight assault

Russia launched a combined missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight on July 4, deploying a mix of ballistic and guided missiles alongside dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles, according to a report by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The assault included one Iskander-M ballistic missile, one Kh-59/69 air-launched guided missile, and 86 strike drones of various types, including Shahed, Gerbera and Italmas, as well as decoy UAVs identified as Parodiya.

Ukraine’s air defences — comprising combat aviation, surface-to-air missile units, electronic warfare systems, drone units and mobile fire groups — were engaged in repelling the attack across multiple regions.

Preliminary data indicated that as of 08:30, a total of 69 drones had been shot down or suppressed in the northern, southern and eastern parts of the country.

Despite the interceptions, impacts from two missiles and 17 attack drones were recorded at 16 separate locations. In addition, debris from intercepted aerial targets fell in five areas.

Ukrainian authorities warned that the operation was ongoing, stating: “The attack continues! Several UAVs remain in Ukraine’s airspace. Follow safety rules!”

By Tamilla Hasanova