Ukraine’s air defense destroys 32 of 35 Shaheds that Russia has launched at night

This is reported by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“During the night of June 20, 2023, the enemy launched an attack on military and infrastructure sites in Ukraine using Iranian Shahed-136/131 barrage munitions. The launches originated from the north (Bryansk region) and the south (eastern coast of the Sea of Azov),” the message says. 

A total of 35 attack drones were employed by the enemy, with 32 of them being destroyed by anti-aircraft defense and the Air Force. The Ground Forces also contributed to the destruction of two drones.

While air defense was active in most regions of Ukraine, the primary focus of the Iranian drone attack was the Kyiv region, where over two dozen drones were neutralized. Additionally, during the night, the Russian occupiers targeted Zaporizhzhia with ballistic missiles, specifically Iskander-M/S-300 missiles.

Yuriy Ihnat, the spokesperson for the Air Force Command, provided further information, stating, "The enemy utilized Iskander-M ballistic missiles and S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, which followed a ballistic trajectory. The exact number is still being determined."

In an earlier statement from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it was reported, "Tonight, Russian terrorists conducted another large-scale air and missile attack on Ukraine. Out of the 30 launched Shahed drones, 28 were successfully destroyed. Additionally, the Russians launched 7 missiles in the Zaporizhzhia area, targeting its surroundings with the S-300 missiles."

• During the same night, Russia attacked Ukraine once again. Zaporizhzhia experienced assaults on its communication and agriculture systems, while a critical infrastructure facility was struck in Lviv, resulting in a fire. In the Kyiv region, the air defense system successfully intercepted and shot down approximately 20 enemy drones.