A large-scale attack by the armed forces of the Russian Federation during the night of June 17 caused considerable alarm among Ukrainian defenders and the public
According to official data from the Ukrainian Air Forces, during this extensive nocturnal military operation, the enemy attempted to strike targets across the entire territory of Ukraine, using over 470 munitions of various types—from drones to cruise missiles. The swift and decisive response of Ukrainian air defense systems enabled the neutralization of 428 targets out of the 472 launched weapons. This means that over 90% of the attacks were intercepted or destroyed in the air, demonstrating a high level of operational capability and coordination of the air defense forces. As a result, not only was a significant portion of the attacking munitions eliminated, but further damage and human losses were also prevented. According to reports from Ukrainian military sources, the main target of the attack was Ukraine’s capital—Kyiv—where the enemy concentrated the largest forces from its arsenal, aiming to strike key infrastructure and military command centers. Rapidly calculated and effectively deployed air defense assets managed to reduce the impact of this assault, shooting down 262 of the 428 launched drones and missiles, while approximately 166 other targets were lost or suppressed in flight. This attack involved several types of weaponry, illustrating the scale and complexity of the enemy's grouping. The majority of the attack consisted of Shahed drones and decoys of various models, launched from directions of the Russian Federation—including regions such as Kursk, Shatalovo, Orel, Bryansk, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. In total, about 280 drones were used, with more than 220 being "Shaheds." In addition to drones, the invaders employed several missile systems. From the airspace over the Tambov region, two launches of X-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles—the Russian army’s most powerful weapons—were conducted. Also, from strategic aviation aircraft based in the Saratov region, 16 Y-101 cruise missiles were launched. Furthermore, Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea and X-59/69 guided missiles launched from tactical aircraft in regions such as Belgorod and Bryansk were also used. Overall, this attack involved multiple directions and types of weaponry, demonstrating the deliberate planning and high level of training of the Russian military. The enemy forces placed significant focus on critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, transportation links, and strategic targets in Kyiv. According to the Ukrainian Air Forces, as a result of the engagement, not only drones and missiles, but also targets at ten locations across the country were destroyed. Fragments of destroyed munitions damaged 34 sites, indicating meticulous planning and high-precision actions by the air defense systems. Notably, over 239 drones of various types—including Shaheds—were shot down by fire, while roughly 163 targets were neutralized or suppressed via electronic warfare (EW). In summary, Ukrainian defenders, utilizing modern air defense systems, managed to effectively mitigate the enemy’s strike and reduce potential destruction and casualties. This night exemplified the high combat professionalism of our military and once again confirmed Ukraine’s status as a country equipped with advanced air defense capabilities. The investigation into the attacks on Kyiv and other regions continues, but it is already clear that Ukrainians have done everything possible to ensure the safety of their citizens and territories. Maintaining a high level of air defense is a crucial component of the country’s resilience in this prolonged and challenging struggle for independence and territorial integrity.