Nighttime Russian offensive targets Ukraine with advanced missiles, drone PHOTO

On the night of February 16, Russian forces launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, employing four Zircon anti-ship missiles, an Iskander-M ballistic missile, a Kh-31P air-launched guided missile, and 62 strike drones, including Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas models. 

About 40 of the drones were Shaheds, Calliber.Az reports, citing the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Telegram page.

Ukraine’s air defence actively countered the attacks using fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missile units, electronic warfare teams, and mobile fire groups.

Preliminary reports as of the morning of February 16 indicate that two Zircon missiles and 52 drones of various types were either shot down or neutralised. One missile and nine strike drones hit eight locations, while debris from destroyed targets fell in two areas. Status updates for three additional missiles are pending.

Meanwhile, in the Chernihiv region, a residential building in the Koriukivka district caught fire after being hit by a Russian drone.

By Jeyhun Aghazada