Russia launches 273 attack drones on Ukraine overnight

On the night of March 28, starting from 18:00 on March 27, Russian forces launched a massive drone strike on Ukraine, deploying a total of 273 attack drones, including Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, and other types.

Approximately 180 of the drones were Shahed models, the Armed Forces of Ukraine press service reported.

The assault was met with a coordinated Ukrainian defence involving the Ukrainian Air Force, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, unmanned aerial systems, and mobile fire groups of the Defence Forces.

According to preliminary data, as of 07:30, Ukrainian air defences had successfully shot down or neutralised 252 drones.

Despite the interception, 21 attack drones struck 18 separate locations, and debris from downed drones was recorded across 9 additional sites.

After 07:00 on March 28, Russian forces launched additional drone attacks on Odesa Oblast and other northern and eastern regions of Ukraine. The results of these subsequent strikes are still under assessment.

By Tamilla Hasanova