Russia launches drone attacks on Ukraine, 95 intercepted by air defences

Russia carried out a major drone assault on Ukraine overnight on November 21, deploying 115 strike drones, approximately 70 of which were Shahed-type UAVs, the Ukrainian Air Force reported.

Russian forces launched drones — including Shahed, Gerbera, and other types — from the directions of Kursk, Oryol, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, and Hvardiiske in Crimea, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

The air offensive was successfully countered by Ukrainian aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare teams, unmanned systems, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces. Preliminary data indicates that as of 09:00, Ukrainian air defenses had shot down or suppressed 95 enemy drones over northern, southern, and eastern regions of the country.

Despite these defenses, 19 strike drones impacted 12 locations, with debris from downed drones falling at four additional sites. Civilian infrastructure and private households in Chernihiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Odesa regions suffered the most damage, and civilian casualties have been reported.

In a separate attack, Russian forces struck the city of Zaporizhzhia with guided aerial bombs. Five people were killed, and multi-story buildings, a marketplace, a supermarket, and vehicles were damaged.

“Russia continues to attack southern Ukraine with strike drones. Several groups of enemy UAVs remain in the airspace. Follow safety rules!” the Ukrainian Air Force emphasized.

Overnight on November 21, the city of Odesa also came under attack, leaving five people injured and causing damage to a residential building and a business facility. The previous evening, November 20, Russian kamikaze drones targeted Zaporizhzhia and its surrounding region, resulting in five deaths and three injuries.

By Vafa Guliyeva