Shahed 136 drone, Photo: Alexander Gusev / Zuma Press

On the night of 19 January, Russia launched a massive attack with Shahed kamikaze drones and imitation drones from the directions of Millerovo, Bryansk and Orel. The enemy launched 61 strike UAVs, most of which were destroyed by Ukrainian air defence, the Ukrainian Air Force reported.

“As of 09:00, our forces have confirmed the downing of 43 Shahed attack drones and other UAVs in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Dnipro and Mykolaiv regions,” the statement said.

In addition, 15 imitator drones were neutralised by electronic warfare without causing damage to civilian infrastructure. Combat operations continue as one enemy drone is still in the air.

The attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, mobile fire groups and electronic warfare units. Ukraine continues to demonstrate the effectiveness of its air defence capabilities in countering Russian aggression.