Russian forces carried out a large-scale air strike against Ukraine, utilizing a variety of munitions and kamikaze drones
On the evening of April 16, Ukrainian defense once again came under heavy pressure from the aggressor, who employed the entire arsenal to destroy civilian populations and infrastructure. According to the Air Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, several attempts to strike Ukrainian territory with air weapons by Russian invaders were made from the evening until the morning of April 17. The overall attack included launching two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, three S-300/400 surface-to-air missiles, and, most notably, 75 drones of various types, of which 55 were shot down by Ukraine’s air defense forces as they failed to reach their targets. The information was released by the Air Forces' press service on Telegram and confirms that Ukrainian defenders demonstrated significant effectiveness in combating enemy kamikaze drones. According to Ukrainian aviation sources, by 10 a.m. on April 17, 25 Shahed-type drones launched from Russian towns of Kursk, Millerovo, and from the temporarily occupied Cheuda Peninsula in Crimea had been shot down. This constitutes part of a new large-scale offensive aimed at destabilizing the situation and destroying civilian targets across different regions of the country. An additional 30 drone-imitator reconnaissance and guidance systems—used to create attack simulations or detect air defense assets—were also destroyed without negative consequences for the population or infrastructure. The Air Forces confirm that, as a result of these attacks, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Dnipropetrovsk regions were affected. The damage areas indicate an active enemy tactic of launching missiles from the Rostov region, as well as from the occupied territories of Luhansk and Crimea, reflecting a destructive mentality. Attacks from the Russian cities of Kursk and Millerovo, as well as from the Cheuda Peninsula, are aimed at expanding the affected zones and creating additional risks for residential areas and strategic facilities in Ukraine. Ukrainian defense forces responded to this aggression using modern air defense systems, including aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare systems, and mobile fire groups. They acted swiftly and cohesively to prevent destruction and maintain calm in the regions. This latest attack is another clear example of the ruthlessness and deliberate intent of Russian military forces to sow fear and chaos. However, the Ukrainian army continues to demonstrate high mobility and effectiveness in defending its territory. Although the enemy still uses outdated missile systems and kamikaze drones, Ukrainian defenders stand ready to resolutely oppose any acts of aggression.