Russia Launches Iskander Missile and 164 Drones on Ukraine Overnight

Russia attacks Ukraine with 164 drones and a ballistic missile in one night. Ukraine shoots down 150 targets as Russia intensifies massive aerial attacks across multiple regions.

Russia launched a large-scale overnight aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying a ballistic missile and more than 160 drones in one of the most intense attacks in recent days.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the attack began on the evening of March 29 and continued into the early hours of March 30. In total, Russian forces used one Iskander-M ballistic missile and 164 strike drones, including Shahed-type UAVs and other models such as Gerbera and Italmas.

Launches were carried out from multiple directions across Russia, including Bryansk, Oryol, Kursk, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, as well as from temporarily occupied Crimea.

Ukraine’s air defense network responded with a coordinated effort involving aviation units, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare systems, drone units, and mobile fire groups.

As of 08:30, preliminary data indicates that 150 russian drones were successfully intercepted or neutralized, highlighting the effectiveness of Ukraine’s layered air defense system.

Despite the high interception rate, some strikes were recorded. Officials confirmed that the ballistic missile and 12 drones hit targets across seven locations, causing damage. Additionally, debris from intercepted drones fell in at least two other areas.

Authorities have not yet released full details on casualties or destruction, but the масштаб of the attack underscores the continued reliance on drone warfare and missile strikes.

Notably, around 90 of the drones used were Shahed-type, which have become a central component of Russia’s long-range strike strategy due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to overwhelm air defenses.

Officials also warned that the attack was still ongoing as of the morning, with several drones remaining in Ukrainian airspace. Residents were urged to remain in shelters and follow air raid alerts.

This latest wave of strikes reflects an ongoing pattern of large-scale ночные attacks aimed at critical infrastructure and civilian areas, maintaining constant pressure across multiple regions of Ukraine.

As Ukraine continues to adapt its air defense capabilities, the high interception rate demonstrates resilience — but also highlights the persistent threat posed by mass drone assaults.

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EMPR