Russia launches one of largest aerial assaults of war Over 600 drones, missiles target Ukraine

In the early hours of August 21, the Russian Federation conducted one of the most extensive aerial offensives since the beginning of its full-scale invasion, launching more than 600 drones and missiles across Ukrainian territory.

According to the Air Forces of Ukraine, air defensce units successfully intercepted and suppressed 577 airborne targets, including Kinzhal and Kalibr missiles, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

A total of 614 aerial threats were launched by Russian forces. These included:

574 Shahed-type strike drones, along with various decoy drones, launched from multiple directions including Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Oryol, Shatalovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and Hvardiiske;

4 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, launched from airspace over the Lipetsk and Voronezh regions;

2 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles from the Voronezh region;

19 Kh-101 cruise missiles, launched from the airspace over the Saratov region;

14 Kalibr cruise missiles, fired from the Black Sea;

1 missile of an unidentified type, launched from Crimea.

Ukraine’s multi-layered air defence—comprised of fighter aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, unmanned aerial units, and mobile fire teams—was mobilized to repel the barrage.

As of 9:00 a.m. Kyiv time, preliminary data confirms that 577 air targets were neutralized:

546 Shahed-type strike and decoy drones;

1 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missile;

18 Kh-101 cruise missiles;

12 Kalibr cruise missiles.

Despite the high interception rate, missile and drone strikes were recorded in 11 locations, while debris from downed aerial threats was confirmed to have fallen in three separate areas.

The bulk of the assault appeared to be directed at Lviv and the surrounding region, where both kamikaze drones and missiles were used to inflict damage. In Mukachevo, located in the Zakarpattia region, one missile directly struck a local enterprise. As of this morning, emergency response teams continued efforts to manage the aftermath of the attacks.

Explosions were also heard in Kyiv and other parts of the country, signaling the wide geographical scope of the offensive.

Local authorities in affected areas warned residents of potential air pollution following the strikes and urged the public to keep windows closed as a precautionary measure.

By Vafa Guliyeva