Russian invaders again struck Ukraine with a nighttime attack, employing complex and multifaceted military tactics
According to the latest information, during the night of May 21-22, enemy forces simultaneously launched a ballistic missile "Iskander-M" from the Taganrog region, as well as at least 128 drones, mostly Shahed-type, which are among the main tools of Russian terror tactics against Ukrainian infrastructure. In addition, the occupiers deployed various imitation drones designed to create chaos and complicate air defense systems. According to official data from the Air Force command, Ukraine’s defenders detected and successfully neutralized a significant portion of the threat. Out of 128 attacking drones, 112 were targeted — they were destroyed or suppressed by air defense systems across all strategic directions of the country: east, north, south, and center. Specifically, 74 drones were destroyed by firepower, while another 38 lost control due to electronic warfare and signal jamming, with the equipped electronic warfare (EW) systems, which caused no additional negative consequences. Overall, the nighttime attack was among the most extensive in recent times. In addition to drones, Russia launched a ballistic missile from the Millerovo region. This is another example of the so-called “chess” tactic of the Kremlin — trying to destabilize the situation and cast doubt on Ukraine’s air defense capabilities to handle the large influx of missile and drone attacks. It should also be noted that the use of drones from the cities of Kursk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and especially from the temporarily occupied Crimea, indicates the continuous expansion of Russia’s operational space for deploying strike assets. Currently, Ukrainian air defense forces continue to fulfill their duties in protecting strategically important facilities and residential areas, recording another successful operation in intercepting a significant part of the enemy’s aviation and drone assault. Given the ongoing nature of these attacks, it is clear that Russia is intensifying its tactics by utilizing various types of weapons to destabilize the situation on Ukrainian territory and demonstrate its military strength in the region. Ukraine remains vigilant and prepared, continuing to strengthen its defense systems and proving that even the most sophisticated enemy tools cannot break its will to resist.