Over the night of June 22-23, 2024, the Ukrainian military launched a significant drone offensive targeting various Russian regions, including Bryansk, Smolensk, Lipetsk, and Tula. Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted and destroyed a large number of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with the Russian Ministry of Defense claiming a total of 33 drones downed. Regional governors reported varying figures, with Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz stating that 23 drones were neutralized in his region alone. The attacks were described as part of Ukraine’s strategy to disrupt Russian military logistics and infrastructure and were in retaliation to Russia’s continued aggression, including the recent bombing in Kharkiv that resulted in at least three deaths and over 50 injuries and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities that caused damage to civilian infrastructure and injuries to residents with the Ukrainian Air Force confirming the launch of Russian ‘Caliber’ cruise missiles from the Azov Sea and the downing of two of the three missiles by Ukrainian air defense in the Kyiv region. Ukraine’s military has also reported the destruction of a Russian drone warehouse and other facilities in the Krasnodar region, highlighting the ongoing reciprocal strikes between the two nations. Amidst these developments, both sides maintain their resolve, with Ukraine emphasizing its successful defense against Russian missile strikes and Russia asserting its air defense capabilities.
Key points
- Ukrainian military launches extensive drone attacks on Russian regions, with Russian air defense claiming to have shot down 33 drones.
- Russia retaliates with missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, causing infrastructure damage and civilian injuries.
- Ukraine reports successful destruction of a Russian drone warehouse in Krasnodar, continuing its counter-offensive.
Contradictions👾Some reports indicate a higher number of drones destroyed by Russian air defense than others, with figures ranging from 20 to 57.
👾Ukrainian claims of downing the majority of Russian missiles contrast with reports of damage and injuries caused by the attacks.
