Russia Launches 173 Drones at Ukraine Overnight, Air Defense Shoots Down 134

Russian forces carried out a large-scale drone attack on Ukraine during the night of September 25–26, deploying 173 assault unmanned aerial vehicles. By 07:30 local time, Ukraine's air defense had neutralized 134 of the drones, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

Types of Drones Used

The Russian military used Shahed-type drones, including more than 50 reactive variants, alongside Herber drones and Parody decoy UAVs. Launches were carried out from directions including Oryol, Kursk, Millerovo and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, as well as from Russian-occupied Donetsk territory and from Hvardiiske in occupied Crimea.

Impact and Damage

Air defense units shot down or electronically suppressed 134 drones. Hits were recorded at 19 locations, with debris from intercepted drones falling at an additional 8 sites across Ukraine. Authorities were still assessing the full extent of damage.