Russia Launches Major Overnight Assault with Over 100 Drones and Ballistic Missile.

Russia's Air Assault on Ukraine, February 28, 2023

According to UATV: In the early hours of February 28, 2023, Russian forces targeted Ukraine with a large-scale aerial attack, deploying an 'Iskander-M' ballistic missile and 105 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The drone types used in the assault included 'Shahed', 'Gerbera', and 'Italmas' models. According to preliminary reports, Ukrainian air defense forces successfully intercepted or neutralized 96 of these hostile drones and other aerial threats.

Of the 105 drones involved, approximately 60 were identified as 'Shahed' models. The time of the report confirming the downed drones was recorded at 08:00. Six strikes by attack UAVs were also confirmed. The attack resulted in falling debris across seven different locations.

Launch Points and Air Defense Response

The drones were launched from multiple directions, including:

• Oryol
• Bryansk
• Kursk
• Shatalovo
• Primorsko-Akhtarsk
• Millerovo
• Temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk Oblast and Crimea

This attack is part of a sustained Russian campaign targeting Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and energy systems. The Ukrainian forces that repelled the aerial assault included aviation units, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare (EW) units, and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

This assault underscores the persistent and severe threat posed by Russian military actions against Ukraine, particularly through the intensive use of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Consequently, this latest air raid demonstrates the ongoing dangers presented by Russian forces and their active deployment of modern technologies in combat operations. The situation highlights the continuation of the conflict and the critical need for sustained international support to bolster regional security.