Air Defense of Ukraine Repelled Russian Aggression: Two “Iskander” Ballistic Missiles and Over 80 Enemy Drones Destroyed
During the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, as well as throughout May 7, Ukrainian defense forces repelled a large-scale attack by the Russian Federation, which used banned international law ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones. According to the Ukrainian Air Force Command's press service, Ukrainian air defense successfully reduced the threat by destroying two ballistic "Iskander" missiles and over seventy enemy unmanned aerial vehicles. Additionally, another 64 enemy UAVs—equipped with decoys or employing other sabotage tactics—failed to reach their targets and were either destroyed or intercepted at various points across the country. Official information states that from 20:30 on May 6 until midday on May 7, the enemy conducted a deliberate attack on Ukrainian positions, launching five "Iskander-M" and KN-23 ballistic missiles from the regions of Kursk, Taman, and Bryansk. These missiles were fired in several waves, aiming to inflict maximum damage to critical infrastructure and civilian populations. In addition to missile strikes, Russian forces deployed 187 UAVs, used both for attack and reconnaissance purposes. A large-scale drone assault, including various types such as Shahed, was also carried out. As of 14:30 on May 7, Ukrainian air force data confirms that Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted two ballistic missiles—"Iskander-M" and KN-23—and destroyed 81 attack drones. This is a significant achievement in the context of the modern tactical challenges posed by massive enemy air assaults. Meanwhile, 64 decoy and other unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed or lost their targets during the approach phase, thus avoiding missile and air defense engagement. Although several regions were affected, preliminary reports indicate that the consequences of the enemy strikes were more localized. The Kyiv region, including the capital city’s surroundings, was impacted, as well as the northern part of Ukraine—Sumy and Zhytomyr regions—and southern territories such as Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. All these areas experienced infrastructure damage, including energy facilities and residential zones. Operational responses to this tense situation were carried out by Ukrainian aviation units, air defense forces, electronic warfare systems, and mobile fire groups, which quickly either repelled or destroyed the enemy equipment. They worked in strict coordination to minimize human and material losses. Overall, amid this nighttime and daytime escalation, Ukraine demonstrates high resilience and the capability to counter large-scale missile and drone attacks, which remain a part of the modern tactics employed by the Russian aggressor. The defensive regime continues to hold the enemy at bay, but the situation presents numerous challenges for Ukrainian forces and residents in affected regions.