Russian Military Launches Combined Missile and Suicide Drone Attack on Ukraine
In a shocking turn of events, the Russian military launched a devastating missile and suicide drone attack on Ukraine in the early hours of September 17. The aim of the attack, according to Natalia Humeniuk, Head of the Southern Defense Forces press service, was to confuse and exhaust Ukraine’s air defenses. Humeniuk revealed this information during an interview on Ukrainian national television on the same day.
The enemy utilized a range of drones, including reconnaissance ones, along with air-launched missiles. This onslaught led to a “massive air alert” overnight, as stated by Humeniuk. The air alert was sounded at 4.30 a.m. in several eastern oblasts of the country. Not long after, it spread to the capital city of Kyiv at 4.51 a.m., followed by alerts across all oblasts in the north, center, south, and east of Ukraine. By 5.30 a.m., the sirens had reached the west, causing the entire country to be on high alert.
Humeniuk further explained that the Russian military sought to confuse and exhaust Ukrainian air defense by employing missiles that flew complex routes and engaged in extensive maneuvers. “They are trying to both exhaust and bypass the air defense system,” she warned. This method of attack has been used by the enemy before, emphasizing their determination to find maneuvering options for maximum effectiveness.
Despite the challenges, Ukrainian air defense managed to shoot down a remarkable 75% of the incoming enemy weapons. Out of the total 16 weapons, they successfully intercepted 12, including six Shahed attack drones and six cruise missiles. This display of resilience and skill by the Ukrainian forces cannot be understated.
However, the attack did not come without consequences. An agricultural enterprise located in Odesa Oblast fell victim to the Russian missiles. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene, but fortunately, no casualties were reported.
These aggressive actions by the Russian military have implications beyond the immediate threat to Ukraine. It raises concerns about the increasing tensions in the region and the potential for further escalations. The world must not turn a blind eye to these acts of aggression and must continue to support Ukraine in defending its sovereignty.
Note: This article contains excerpts from an original article published by The New Voice of Ukraine.