Russia Launches Unprecedented Overnight Assault on Ukraine with 623 Aerial Weapons
Russia launched its largest air assault of the war with 623 drones/missiles overnight, targeting western Ukraine. Ukrainian forces intercepted 344 threats as explosions rocked Lviv, Chernivtsi and Lutsk, marking a dangerous escalation in strike tactics.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Ukrainian Air Force announced on Saturday that Russian forces launched an unprecedented barrage of 623 aerial weapons overnight, comprising 597 drones and 26 missiles, in one of the most intense air assaults since the beginning of the war.
In a statement, the Air Force confirmed: “The enemy conducted an air assault with 623 aerial weapons,” specifying the use of 597 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 26 missiles.
Ukrainian Defenses Intercept Majority of Incoming Threats
Despite the scale of the attack, Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 344 threats, including 25 missiles and 319 drones.
The wave of attacks marks an escalation in Russian military operations, particularly over recent weeks, as Moscow intensifies its campaign targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian zones.
Western Cities Targeted in Overnight Strikes
Media outlets and Ukrainian officials reported that the Russian strikes extended far beyond the front lines, hitting cities in western Ukraine.
Explosions were reported in Lviv, near the Polish border, and Chernivtsi, close to Romania, according to the Kyiv Independent, citing its correspondents on the ground. Additionally, Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne reported an explosion in Lutsk, a city in the country’s northwest.
No Immediate Reports on Casualties
While the damage assessment and potential casualties remain under investigation, the sheer volume and geographic spread of the attack suggest a calculated attempt by Moscow to pressure Ukraine across a broader theater of conflict.
Saturday’s attack highlights Russia’s continued reliance on drone swarms and missile salvos to strike deep into Ukrainian territory, far from the eastern and southern battlefronts. The development comes amid growing regional concerns over the evolving tactics of the Kremlin’s military campaign.
