Ukrainian Air Force Claims Success In Winning Waves Of Russian Drone Attacks, Crashes 89 Nirawak Planes

Illustration of the Shahed-136 drone belonging to Iran. (Twitter/@inbarspace)

JAKARTA - The Ukrainian Air Force claims to have successfully fended off one of Russia's largest long-range drone attacks, shooting down all 89 unmanned aircraft launched to Kyiv, surrounding areas, and other areas in the early hours of Wednesday.

The attack, which took place more than 29 months after Russia's massive invasion, primarily targeted Kyiv and surrounding areas, where local authorities said more than 40 drones were shot down.

The military administration of the capital city says no civilian or critical infrastructure has been hit by direct attacks. However, missile debris damaged the roofs, windows, and 13 private homes in the region, according to authorities there.

"This is one of Shahed-131/136's most massive attacks," the air force said, citing a type of drone that Russia says has used in the thousands to attack Ukraine.

Serhiy Popko, head of military administration Kyiv said the latest drone strike was the seventh to be carried out on the city in July.

About 11,500 residents took shelter for safety at the metro station at night as drones arrived in a few waves from "all possible directions," the city authorities said.

In addition to drones, the air force also intercepted Kh-59 missiles fired into the southern region of Mykolaiv, he said.

Popko said Kyiv and most of central and eastern Ukraine were under airstrike warnings since 20.00 GMT on Tuesday. Air defense systems were deployed on approaches to Kyiv and areas outside the region several times at night.

On the other hand, there was no immediate comment from Russia.

Meanwhile, a military spy spokesman told Reuters last week Russia was also starting using a new cheap drone, some of which were equipped with cameras, to film Ukraine's air defense locations and the results of its attacks, while others acted as bait.