Ukraine 'shot down 20% of UAVs and missiles' in Russia's attack

Ukraine claims to have shot down 8 out of 40 UAVs and missiles, equivalent to 20% of the weapons fired by Russia, in today's attack.

The Ukrainian Air Force Command said that early this morning, Russia deployed 12 Kh-101/555 cruise missiles and 6 Kh-22 supersonic anti-ship missiles launched from strategic bombers, 6 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, 7 converted S-300 air defense missiles, and 3 Shahed-136/131 suicide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) aimed at the country.

Russian fighters also launched two Kh-31P anti-radar missiles and four Kh-59 tactical missiles from the airspace over Kherson and Bryansk provinces, but the specific targets are unknown.

Ukrainian air defense opened fire to counter Russia's attack on Kiev in late December 2022. Photo: AFP

The Russian Defense Ministry has not commented on the information.

Ukrainian authorities had earlier issued a nationwide air defence alert. Kiev Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said explosions had been heard on the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital, stressing that air defence systems were engaged. It was not clear if there were any damage or casualties.

A missile strike on the northeastern province of Sumy damaged 26 structures and injured one civilian, Ukraine's prosecutor's office said.

Vyacheslav Chaus, head of the Chernihiv region in northern Ukraine, reported "damage" but declined to say where. In the Poltava region in central Ukraine, an unexploded rocket landed in a backyard, with no casualties.

The Polish army briefly activated its air defense network on the same day, but did not detect any missiles entering its airspace.

The Russia-Ukraine war situation. Graphics: WP

Ukraine recently reported that the rate of interception of Russian UAVs and missiles was much lower than in the airstrikes last year. Kiev explained that Moscow launched a large number of ballistic missiles, making it more difficult for its air defenses to intercept.

Spokesman Ignat admitted on January 9 that Ukraine is lacking anti-aircraft missiles because it "used a large amount of reserve ammunition" to deal with a series of Russian attacks.

Vu Anh (According to AFP, Reuters )

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