Ukraine thwarts “most extensive” Russian air assault, downing 201 missiles and drones
Ukrainian forces intercepted 201 out of 236 Russian missiles and drones, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and sea-launched Kalibr cruise missiles, that targeted critical infrastructure nationwide and killed seven people.
by
Vira Kravchuk
26/08/2024
2 minute read
Ukrainian rescuers dealing with the aftermath of Russian massive attack on Ukraine on 26 August.
Ukrainian rescuers dealing with the aftermath of Russian massive attack on Ukraine on 26 August. Source: SES of Ukraine.
Ukraine thwarts “most extensive” Russian air assault, downing 201 missiles and drones
In the early hours of 26 August, Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 201 of Russian attack weapons, comprising 102 missiles and 99 drones. This was described as the “most extensive air assault” since the full-scale war began.
Russian attacks on energy sector have escalated since March 2024, damaging key power generation facilities across Ukraine and leading to country-wide blackouts and scheduled power outages.
Russian forces launched 236 attack weapons, targeting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, particularly the energy sector, according to Commander of the Air Force Mykola Oleshchuk.
Three X-47M2 “Kinzhal” aeroballistic missiles
Six “Iskander-M”/KN-23 ballistic missiles
77 X-101 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS aircraft
28 “Kalibr” cruise missiles
Three X-22 cruise missiles
Ten X-59/X-69 guided air-to-surface missiles from Su-57, Su-34 aircraft
109 “Shahed-131/136” attack UAVs
Ukrainian Air Force deployed all available weapons and equipment in repelling the air attack, using aviation, air defense missile troops, mobile fire groups and electronic warfare units. They neutralized 201 targets out of 236.
According to calculations by Ekonomichna Pravda, a Ukrainian economic news outlet, the cost to Russia for this single assault is estimated at approximately $1.26 billion.