Ukrainian air defences shoot down around 50 Russian drones PHOTO

Ukrainian air defences intercepted a major drone attack by Russian forces overnight, with around 50 of the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) identified as Shahed-type drones.

According to the statement from the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Telegram, a total of 76 strike drones targeted positions across the country in the early hours of January 16. 

The assault was countered by a combination of Ukrainian aviation, surface-to-air missile units, electronic warfare teams, and mobile defence groups.

By 08:30 Kyiv time, Ukrainian air defences had reportedly destroyed or suppressed 53 of the incoming drones.

Despite these efforts, 19 drones struck nine separate locations. Debris from the downed drones fell in one area, though officials have not disclosed the exact location.

By Aghakazim Guliyev