Ukraine says air defences neutralised 79 drones during overnight attack PHOTO

Ukraine's air defence forces intercepted or neutralised 79 drones during a large-scale overnight Russian attack involving 90 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), according to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In a statement released on June 19, the military said Russia launched a mix of strike drones, including Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas and Banderole models, as well as Parodia decoy drones designed to complicate air defence operations, Caliber.Az reports. 

The attack was countered by units of the Ukrainian Air Force, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare teams, unmanned systems units and mobile fire groups operating across the country.

According to preliminary data, Ukrainian air defences had shot down or otherwise neutralised 79 drones by 08:30 local time. The interceptions took place over northern, southern and eastern regions of Ukraine.

The military reported that nine attack drones reached their targets, striking eight locations. Debris from downed UAVs was recorded at eight separate sites.

Ukrainian authorities said the aerial assault was still ongoing, with additional Russian drones remaining in the country's airspace at the time of the announcement.

"The attack is ongoing; Russian UAVs are in the airspace. Please observe safety precautions!" the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a statement.

By Sabina Mammadli