Ukraine says air defences downed 189 drones in overnight Russian attack PHOTO

Ukraine's air defence forces intercepted or neutralised 189 drones during a large-scale overnight Russian attack involving nearly 200 unmanned aerial vehicles, the Ukrainian military said on June 3.

According to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Russia launched 198 drones overnight, including Shahed, Gerbera and Italmas strike UAVs, as well as Parodia decoy drones designed to overwhelm air defences, Caliber.Az reports. 

The attack was countered by the Ukrainian Air Force, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare forces, unmanned systems units and mobile fire groups, the military said.

As of 8:00 a.m. local time, Ukrainian forces had shot down or otherwise neutralised 189 drones over northern, southern and eastern regions of the country, according to preliminary data.

The military reported that eight attack drones struck targets at seven locations, while debris from intercepted UAVs was recorded at seven separate sites.

"The attack is ongoing; enemy UAVs remain in the airspace. Observe safety precautions," the Armed Forces said in a statement.

By Sabina Mammadli