The Armed Forces of Ukraine successfully repelled another large-scale attack by Russian drones, shooting down over 70% of the enemy drones encountered during the night on April 22
According to the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a massive air operation was carried out at that time, involving launching 54 Shahed-type attack drones from several directions — from the north, east, south, and towards central regions. Specifically, the air defense successfully destroyed 38 of them, along with 16 decoy drones that failed to reach their targets and were intercepted early on their approach. Official sources from the Air Forces of Ukraine report that the situation remains tense, and a new phase of aggression began overnight. From early morning on April 22, Russian drones resumed their march towards Ukrainian territories. Light groups from several directions entered from the north through Sumy region, creating additional danger for the regions, while Ukrainian air defense forces actively work to intercept them. Regarding the aftermath of the attack, the most affected regions are Odesa and Kyiv regions, which suffered the greatest destruction. During the night attack, civilian infrastructure objects, residential buildings, administrative facilities, and transportation were hit and fallen into the zone of destruction. Explosions rang out, fires broke out, and several cars and private houses were damaged. Among the destroyed objects are educational institutions and elements of urban logistics in these regions. The Christmas and New Year’s damages also affected Kyiv region — in Bucha district, six residential buildings, several cars, garages, and a suburban complex were damaged, where a fire broke out. Three civilians, victims of the night strike, were wounded and are currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals. Sources from operational structures report that Russian forces are actively using tactics of multiple drone launches from Russian cities such as Millerovo, Kursk, Bryansk, and also from temporarily occupied territories of Crimea. This allows the enemy to maximize the number of attacks and complicate Ukraine’s air defense systems, but our defenders demonstrate a high level of skill in destroying this dangerous equipment. Regarding the situation, representatives of the Ukrainian Air Forces said that another wave of enemy strikes began at 08:00 on April 22. It already includes groups of drones approaching from northern borders, mostly through the recently opened combat zone in Sumy region. Active interception measures are ongoing in the surrounding areas, but Russian drones continue to pose a serious threat to civilians and Ukraine’s infrastructure. As for the background of these attacks, late evening on April 21, powerful explosions sounded in Odessa caused by a Russian kamikaze drone attack. According to the Odessa Military Administration, several alarms were announced before dawn, and three civilians were injured during the attack. At the same time, significant damages were inflicted on city infrastructure: residential buildings, an educational facility, vehicles — and fires broke out. In Kyiv region, including Bucha district, the situation is similar — six private houses, garages, and cars were damaged, a suburban complex burned down, and a fire occurred at a construction site. Military experts emphasize that these attacks are deliberate, aimed at sowing panic, destroying peaceful life, and breaking the resistance of Ukrainians. Ongoing monitoring shows that Ukrainian air defense demonstrates a high level of combat spirit and effectiveness. However, Russian drones continue to adopt new tactical approaches to bypass Ukrainian defense systems and maximize destruction. Ukrainian defenders call on citizens to remain alert, as the situation remains difficult, and the fight for safety and stability continues around the clock.