Russia launches mass Shahed drone attack on Ukraine, day-long threat warned

Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Colonel Yurii Ihnat warned on Monday that Russia had launched a massive attack using classic Shahed combustion-engine drones, and that the threat of strikes would continue throughout the day.

Attack details

Ihnat said Russia was attacking the Odesa region with strike UAVs and that the threat remained for northern regions as well, with information suggesting attacks could come from both north and east. He explained that Russia had apparently exhausted large stocks of jet-propelled drones in August and had now switched back to the classic Shahed models — slower but available in greater numbers — launching them in several waves aimed primarily at western regions.

Air defence performance

Ukraine's layered air defence is intercepting roughly 90% of incoming drones. All available forces and assets of the integrated defence system are engaged. Ihnat noted that Russia deliberately alternates weapon types — ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, air-launched munitions and UAVs — to try to catch defenders off guard.