Photo: Getty images

On the night of Tuesday, 31 December, Russian aggressors carried out a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine. According to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the enemy used 61 means of air attack, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and attack drones. However, most of the enemy targets were destroyed thanks to air defence.

Details of the attack
Russian troops launched 6 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles from Voronezh region, 1 X-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missile from a MiG-31K fighter jet from the airspace of Tula region, 6 X-69 guided air-to-air missiles from tactical aircraft, 8 X-22 cruise missiles from Tu-22M3 aircraft, and 40 Shahed attack UAVs and simulators.

Air defence operations
The anti-aircraft missile troops and electronic warfare units of the Defence Forces continued to effectively combat air threats. A total of 1 X-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missile, 5 X-69 guided missiles, 16 Shahed attack UAVs and 24 other types of imitator drones were destroyed.

Impacts in Sumy and Kyiv regions
As a result of the attack, the military reported that ballistic missiles were fired in Sumy and Kyiv regions. The consequences of these hits are currently being investigated.

Despite the significant number of enemy missiles and drones shot down, the attack continues to pose threats to infrastructure and civilians. The defence forces continue to work to ensure the security of the airspace.