Ukraine Thwarts Major Russian Air Assault
In the early hours of February 16, Russia launched a large-scale aerial attack against Ukraine, employing a mix of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Ukrainian Air Force units successfully countered this assault by destroying a significant portion of the incoming threats. The defensive operation involved fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare and drone units, as well as mobile fire groups from Ukraine's Defense Forces.
Attack Details and Interception Results
The Russian attack package consisted of the following weapons:
- 4 Zircon anti-ship cruise missiles;
- 1 Iskander-M ballistic missile;
- 1 Kh-31P air-launched missile;
- 62 attack drones.
As of 09:00, Ukrainian forces had shot down or neutralized 2 Zircon missiles and 52 Shahed, Gerbera, Itlamas, and other types of drones. One missile and 9 attack drones struck 8 different locations. Debris from intercepted weapons was recorded at 2 other sites, while information regarding 3 other hostile missiles is still being verified.
Separately, in Odesa, another victim of the January 27th attack has died, bringing the total death toll from that strike in the city to five people.
This latest assault is part of Russia's ongoing aerial campaign against Ukraine, which has continued since the full-scale invasion began. The use of advanced weapons like the Zircon missile, which is designed to evade modern air defenses, represents a significant escalation in tactics. Ukraine's ability to intercept such sophisticated weapons demonstrates the growing effectiveness of its air defense network, which has been bolstered by Western military aid and battlefield experience.