Record-Breaking Drone Swarm: Russia Unleashes 479 Drones in Massive Ukraine Attack

Ukraine faced its largest overnight drone assault since the conflict began three years ago, with Russia launching an unprecedented 479 drones alongside 20 missiles of various types. The coordinated attack primarily targeted central and western regions of the country, marking a significant escalation in aerial warfare tactics.
Ukrainian air defense systems demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, successfully intercepting 277 drones and 19 missiles during the nighttime barrage. Military officials reported that only 10 projectiles reached their intended targets, resulting in one civilian injury. The defensive success highlights Ukraine’s improved air defense capabilities despite facing overwhelming numbers.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the severity of the situation in affected areas, describing conditions as “very difficult” without providing specific details. The timing of this massive assault coincides with Russia’s intensified summer offensive and ongoing direct peace negotiations in Istanbul, though these talks have yielded limited progress beyond prisoner exchange agreements.
The attack pattern follows Russia’s typical strategy of launching aerial assaults during nighttime hours when drones are harder to detect and intercept. Ukraine continues to face significant challenges defending its extensive 1,000-kilometer front line while seeking additional military support from Western allies, particularly enhanced air defense systems.