Ukraine reports destruction of 21 attack drones launched by Russia

Kyiv: According to Ukraine's air force statement on Sunday, Russia launched a barrage of 28 attack drones and three cruise missiles into Ukraine overnight, targeting mainly southern and eastern regions.

Ukraine's air defence systems successfully intercepted and destroyed 21 of the drones, although there was no confirmation about the fate of the three cruise missiles, reported Reuters.

The onslaught, as reported by Ukraine's Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat via the Telegram messaging channel, focused on areas including Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk regions. However, specific details regarding the outcome of the cruise missile launches were not provided in the statement.

There was no immediate response from Russia regarding the allegations. And Reuters said it could not independently verify the claims.

Despite the attacks, both military and civilian authorities have not reported any damage or casualties resulting from the drone and missile strikes.

Ihnat highlighted the effective defence, stating that mobile teams successfully neutralised the majority of the drones, conserving the limited air defence missiles. He also acknowledged the use of some missiles by Ukrainian forces in repelling recent significant Russian assaults, emphasising ongoing efforts to ensure a sufficient missile supply to counter air threats.

The recent attacks add to a series of intensified military actions by Russia, involving the deployment of nearly 300 missiles and over 200 drones in the final days of 2023 and the initial days of 2024.