Ukraine shoots down 22 out of 33 Russian drones overnight, Kyiv says

A Ukrainian serviceman attends an anti-sabotage mock drills at the border with Belarus, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Chernihiv region, Ukraine January 17, 2024. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

KYIV — Russia launched 33 drones and two missiles at Ukraine overnight, with air defenses destroying 22 drones, the Ukrainian military said on Thursday.

“The main areas of attack were the south and north. The Ukrainian Air Force and Defense Forces destroyed 22 enemy drones. Several more drones did not reach their targets,” Ukraine’s Air Forces said on the Telegram messaging app.

Reuters could not independently verify the Ukrainian air force’s report. There was no immediate comment from Russia.

READ: Russia sends record number of drones in Ukraine; attacks to intensify – Putin

Ukrainian military said Russian drones hit residential neighborhoods in the southern city of Kherson where several buildings were damaged and a woman was wounded.

Drones also hit agribusiness facilities in the Beryslav community of Kherson region.

In the Mykolaiv region, which was also hit, debris from downed drones caused damage to a warehouse of an agricultural enterprise. There were no casualties, military said.