The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Russian forces have carried out one of their largest air offensives, using over 700 drones and missiles in a series of strikes that lasted from April 15 to 16, News.bg reports.
According to data from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Iskander-M ballistic missiles, Kh-101 cruise missiles and hundreds of drones of various types were used, a significant part of which were shot down by Ukrainian air defenses.
Ukrainian authorities report strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure and residential areas, with the heaviest damage and casualties recorded in Kiev, Dnipro, Odessa and Kharkiv.
At least four people died in Kiev alone, and dozens were injured, including in a repeat strike on rescue teams.
The ISW said Russian forces had used a new tactic of multi-wave strikes, involving drones as “combat reconnaissance” followed by cruise and ballistic missiles, in an effort to wear down Ukrainian air defenses.
The analysis warned that Ukraine remains heavily dependent on Western air defense systems, including US Patriot systems, amid mounting pressure from Russian airstrikes.