Details have emerged on how Ukraine's air defense forces repelled a nighttime attack by Russia and what they were unable to shoot down
On the night of July 6, Russia launched a combined attack on Ukraine, using ballistic and cruise missiles—including “Zircons”—as well as attack drones. Kyiv was the enemy’s primary target; while air defense forces destroyed a significant portion of the incoming missiles, some managed to penetrate the city’s defenses.
The attack began at 6:00 p.m. on July 5 and continued into the night of July 6. Russia struck Ukraine with attack drones and air-, ground-, and sea-launched missiles.
The Air Force’s electronic warfare units detected 419 air attack vehicles. Among them were:
- 68 missiles of various types;
- 351 attack drones.
The enemy’s missile arsenal consisted of the following types:
- 6 “Zircon”/“Onyx” anti-ship missiles (launched from the Kursk region);
- 23 “Iskander-M”/S-400 ballistic missiles (launched from the Bryansk, Oryol, and Kursk regions);
- 33 Kh-101 cruise missiles (launched from the Vologda region);
- 6 “Kalibr” cruise missiles (launched from Novorossiysk).
Shahed, “Gerbera,” and “Italmas” drones, as well as “Parody” decoy drones, were launched from several directions.
The attack was repelled by the Air Force, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, as well as mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces.
According to preliminary data as of 08:30, Ukrainian air defense destroyed or neutralized 363 targets. Among them:
- 37 missiles;
- 326 drones of various types.
In particular, air defense forces managed to shoot down 31 Kh-101 cruise missiles and 6 “Kalibr” missiles.
According to preliminary information, as of 08:30, 29 ballistic missiles—including anti-ship missiles—and 18 attack drones were recorded as having struck their targets.
Debris from downed drones was also found at 16 other locations, the Ukrainian Air Force added.
As a reminder, seven people were killed as a result of the massive strike on Kyiv.
Earlier, Zelenskyy warned that Russia was preparing a new massive strike.
It should also be noted that the Russians last launched a massive attack on Ukraine on the night of July 2. At that time, Russian forces launched 496 UAVs of various types and 74 missiles—air-, ground-, and sea-based—of various types at Ukraine.
