Russia launches large-scale overnight missile, drone attack on Ukraine Photo

Russia carried out two waves of combined missile and drone strikes against Ukraine overnight on April 15–16, the Ukrainian Air Force said, in one of the largest aerial assaults reported in recent weeks.

According to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, air defence systems detected and tracked a total of 703 aerial targets, including ballistic and cruise missiles as well as hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The breakdown included 19 Iskander-M/S-400 ballistic missiles, 20 Kh-101 cruise missiles, five Iskander-K cruise missiles, and 659 drones of various types, Caliber.Az reports. 

Ukrainian officials said air defence forces intercepted or neutralised 667 of the incoming targets, including all Kh-101 missiles and the majority of ballistic missiles and drones. However, 12 missiles and 20 drones reportedly struck 26 locations across the country, while debris from intercepted weapons was found at 25 additional sites. Authorities said verification of one cruise missile impact was still ongoing, and warned that some drones remained active in Ukrainian airspace at the time of reporting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, saying it demonstrated that Russia does not merit any easing of international pressure or sanctions. He argued that Moscow was continuing to “bet on war” and called for sustained global pressure on Russia.

Zelenskyy also urged Ukraine’s partners to accelerate the delivery of previously pledged military assistance, including air defence systems and missiles for Patriot batteries. He instructed the Air Force commander to coordinate with allied countries regarding outstanding commitments made under the Ramstein coordination format and bilateral agreements.

By Sabina Mammadli