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On the night of March 22, Russia launched a new large-scale aerial attack against Ukraine, deploying 139 drones from seven directions. While most targets were neutralized, some strikes were recorded.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, the attack began at around 6:00 p.m. on March 21. Russian forces used Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas-type drones, as well as other UAVs, with approximately 80 of them identified as Shahed drones.
Launches were carried out from multiple locations in Russia — Oryol, Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Shatalovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk — as well as Hvardiiske in temporarily occupied Crimea.
Ukraine’s air defense response involved aviation, surface-to-air missile units, electronic warfare systems, drone units, and mobile fire groups.
As of 08:30, preliminary data indicates that 127 enemy UAVs were shot down or suppressed across northern, southern, and eastern regions of the country.
At the same time, eight strike drones hit targets in seven locations, while debris from downed UAVs fell in another seven areas.
“The attack is ongoing, and enemy drones remain in the airspace. Follow safety guidelines,” the Air Force warned.
Regional impact
In Kyiv region, Russian drones targeted multiple areas overnight, with the highest concentration recorded in the Brovary district. Buildings at three enterprises were damaged, with a fire breaking out at one site. Two private houses, along with two passenger cars and a truck, were also damaged.
In Dnipropetrovsk region, air defense forces shot down 11 enemy drones overnight.
Separately, Ukraine’s railway operator reported a fatal incident linked to the attack. During the evacuation of passengers on the Odesa railway line, a train conductor was killed and one passenger sustained moderate injuries.