Moscow, Kyiv trade massive drone and missile barrages

Russia and Ukraine traded massive aerial blows overnight in one of the most widespread drone and missile exchanges of the conflict, with both capitals reporting extensive defensive operations.

The Russian Ministry of Defence announced on Thursday, July 16, that its air defence forces intercepted or destroyed 375 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over an 11-hour window ending at 8:00 AM Moscow time.

According to Moscow's official statement, the sprawling wave of incoming target acquisitions spanned at least 15 Russian provinces and regions, including Belgorod, Bryansk, Volgograd, Voronezh, Kaluga, Kursk, Lipetsk, Orel, Rostov, Ryazan, Saratov, Smolensk, Tver, Tula, Yaroslavl, the Moscow metropolitan area, Krasnodar and Stavropol territories, and the waters of the Azov and Black Seas.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian military authorities reported a highly complex, multi-tiered Russian assault early Thursday. According to Kyiv, Russian forces launched eight Iskander-M or S-400 ballistic missiles, four Kh-22/32 cruise missiles, a Kh-31P anti-radiation missile, five "Banderol" loitering munitions, and 146 strike drones of various designs.

Ukraine’s air defence command reported neutralising three of the ballistic missiles and 129 drones across northern, southern, central, and eastern sectors of the country. However, five ballistic missiles, the Kh-31P anti-radiation missile, and 16 strike drones evaded defences, striking 15 distinct locations, while falling debris from intercepted targets caused damage in seven other areas. The remaining Kh-22/32 cruise missiles reportedly failed to reach their targets.

Operations remained active into the morning, with the Armed Forces of Ukraine issuing a public warning: "The attack is ongoing, with several Russian UAVs still in the airspace. Please observe safety regulations!"

By Tamilla Hasanova