Kyiv reports mass drone assault repelled, most UAVs intercepted

Ukraine’s military said its air defences shot down or suppressed 198 drones during a large-scale overnight Russian attack that also involved guided missiles.

In a statement on June 5, the Armed Forces of Ukraine said Russian forces launched two Kh-59/69 guided air-launched missiles along with 216 strike unmanned aerial vehicles. These included Shahed-type drones, some of them jet-powered, as well as Gerbera and Italmas drones, Banderol loitering munitions, and Parodiya decoy drones.

Ukrainian forces deployed aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, unmanned systems units and mobile fire groups to repel the assault, the statement said.

According to preliminary data as of 07:30, air defense units had shot down or otherwise suppressed 198 drones across northern, southern and eastern regions of the country.

The military reported that 16 strike drones hit targets at 13 locations. In addition, debris from intercepted drones fell at 12 locations. The guided missiles did not reach their intended targets.

“The attack is ongoing, several enemy UAVs remain in the airspace. Follow safety rules!” the Armed Forces of Ukraine said.

By Tamilla Hasanova