In a sudden and intense overnight attack, Russia sent 183 drones and two ballistic missiles toward Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. This large-scale drone strike happened late at night and lasted until early morning hours on Saturday. It was one of the most serious aerial attacks in recent weeks.
Deadly Drone Assault in the Middle of the Night
Out of the 183 drones that came from the Russian side, Ukrainian forces reported that they were able to shoot down 77. Another 73 drones, although not shot down, reportedly fell without causing any damage. That still leaves around 33 drones that may have reached their targets or crashed in unknown areas.
The attack shows how drones are now being used in large numbers in modern warfare. These drones, which are unmanned flying machines, are small and can fly far distances. They can carry explosives or cameras, and some are even made to crash into targets and explode.
The use of ballistic missiles alongside the drones adds more danger to the situation. Ballistic missiles are powerful weapons that travel at very high speeds and are difficult to stop once launched. The Ukrainian Air Force has not yet given full details on where these missiles landed or what damage they may have caused.
Russia Also Faces Drone Trouble
While Ukraine was dealing with the drone strike from Russia, the Russian side also reported facing a huge drone attack. The Russian Defence Ministry said that 170 drones sent from Ukraine were shot down overnight across six different regions of Russia. The attack reportedly happened between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM Moscow time.
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One of the worst-hit areas was the port city of Novorossiysk in the southern part of Russia. According to early reports, three apartment buildings were damaged there. Four people — two adults and two children — were injured. Emergency services reached the area quickly and helped the injured people get medical attention.
The Russian Defence Ministry stated that their air defense systems were active throughout the night and worked continuously to shoot down the incoming drones. The exact locations and impact of the drone falls in the other five regions were not fully shared, but the scale of the attack shows how drone warfare is now being used heavily by both sides.
This is not the first time such large numbers of drones have been used. Earlier this year, Ukraine launched what was reported as the largest drone strike so far, sending 343 drones into Russia in a single night. That attack led to the death of at least three people and injured 17 others. It also caused a temporary shutdown of all four major airports in Moscow due to safety concerns.
A War of Machines in the Sky
This recent overnight exchange of drone attacks between Russia and Ukraine marks another dangerous chapter in the ongoing conflict. What makes this event so alarming is the number of drones used. Sending over 180 drones in a single night is a very large operation, requiring coordination and planning. It shows that both sides are now relying more on machines, especially unmanned ones, to carry out attacks.
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Drones are cheaper and easier to build than traditional military planes or missiles. Because they do not carry pilots, they can be used in risky missions without risking human life on the attacking side. However, their use in crowded cities and towns increases the risk of civilian injuries and property damage.
The fact that many of the drones fell without causing harm in Ukraine is a small relief. Still, the constant threat from the sky has become part of daily life for many people in the conflict zones. The same is true on the Russian side, where some towns and cities have had to deal with sudden drone attacks and the fear that follows.
As of now, both countries continue to use drones as part of their strategies. The skies over both Russia and Ukraine remain dangerous places filled with these flying machines, some carrying deadly cargo, others sent just to test defenses or gather information.
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This latest attack is a reminder of how modern conflicts are changing. Machines that once belonged in science fiction stories are now central tools in real-life battles. And as the war continues, these drone attacks are likely to keep increasing in number and intensity.
The only thing that remains certain is that people on both sides continue to face nights filled with noise, fear, and destruction — as flying machines replace silent skies with sounds of war.