Ukraine downs 119 of 167 Russian aerial threats in overnight strike

Ukraine's Air Force said on Wednesday that its air defenses destroyed 119 of the 167 Russian aerial weapons fired during an overnight attack. The barrage consisted of 39 missiles and 128 drones, of which four missiles and 115 drones were downed. Kyiv, the surrounding region and the Kharkiv region were identified as the main targets.

Authorities reported strikes at 22 locations and falling debris at eight others, adding that some missiles failed to reach their targets. The assault also damaged railway infrastructure and energy facilities, with reports of disruptions affecting transport and power systems across the country.

Ukrainian Railways CEO Oleksandr Pertsovskyi said a massive wave of Russian strikes hit railway infrastructure in the Kharkiv, Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi and Ternopil regions, causing substantial material damage. He said the attacks targeted depots, repair facilities, stations and rolling stock, while damage to energy infrastructure and key routes forced railway workers to restore services and arrange alternative connections. According to Pertsovskyi, advance warnings and evacuations helped ensure the night passed without injuries or loss of life.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said its troops targeted Ukraine's communication and energy infrastructure in Kyiv and the Kyiv and Kharkiv regions. In a statement on Telegram, the ministry said it launched a massive strike with high-precision ground-based weapons and long-range attack unmanned aerial vehicles, alleging the targeted facilities were used in the interests of the Ukrainian military's military-industrial complex.

On the Russian side, Voronezh regional governor Alexander Gusev said Russian air defense forces downed 32 Ukrainian drones over the region on Tuesday evening and overnight, in two urban districts and nine districts. Gusev said there were no injuries or casualties. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said 493 drones flew toward the Moscow region overnight between 8:30 pm and 7:00 am Moscow time, with most neutralized at a considerable distance from the capital and 180 destroyed as they approached the city.