Russia launches major overnight missile, drone attack on Ukraine Photo

Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack on Ukraine on February 9, firing 11 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 149 strike drones, according to Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

The drones included Shahed loitering munitions as well as Gerber, Italmas, and other types, with Shahed drones accounting for about 90 of the total, the military said, Caliber.Az reports. 

Ukraine’s air defence units responded using combat aircraft, surface-to-air missile systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and mobile fire groups. As of the morning of February 9, Ukrainian forces had shot down or electronically suppressed 116 drones, according to preliminary data. Several of the Iskander-M ballistic missiles were also intercepted and failed to reach their intended targets.

Despite the defences, missiles and 23 drones struck 15 locations across the country. In addition, debris from intercepted drones fell in six other locations.

Ukrainian authorities did not immediately provide further details on casualties or damage.

By Sabina Mammadli