Russia launches 70 drones at Ukraine overnight, 31 hit targets

During the night of October 17, Russia launched 70 attack drones at Ukraine, with 31 confirmed strikes, the Air Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said.

According to the command, beginning at 8:00 p.m. on October 16, Russian forces carried out another large-scale attack across Ukrainian territory using 70 attack drones, including Shahed, Gerbera, and other models, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

The assault was launched from several directions — Millerovo, Kursk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk (Russia), and Chauda.

Preliminary data show that by morning, Ukrainian air defence units had intercepted or neutralised 35 drones.

“Strikes from thirty-one attack drones were recorded in 10 locations, with debris from downed UAVs falling in two more,” the statement said.

In recent days, Russia has intensified its large-scale air attacks on Ukraine, launching more than 300 drones and 37 missiles that struck key energy facilities, including the Shebelinka gas plant in Kharkiv, causing severe power outages across nearly all regions of the country.

The strikes disrupted gas production and forced emergency electricity cuts, heightening concerns as winter approaches.

Ukrainian forces, meanwhile, repelled a major Russian armoured assault near Dobropillia, destroying nine vehicles in heavy fighting. 

By Jeyhun Aghazada