Combined Russian attack on 31 December: Ukrainian air defences destroy 16 drones and 6 missiles, including Kinzhals

Ukrainian air defence units repelled a combined Russian attack on the night of 30-31 December, destroying 6 Russian missiles and 16 drones. A further 24 decoy drones have failed to reach their targets and disappeared from radar. However, ballistic missile strikes still took place.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force on social media

Details: Russian forces utilised 61 aerial assets on the night of 30-31 December starting at 20:30 on 30 December:

• 6 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles from Russia's Voronezh Oblast;
• 1 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missile from a MiG-31K fighter jet from the airspace of Russia's Tula Oblast.
• 6 Kh-69 air-to-surface missiles and tactical aircraft from the airspace of Russia's Belgorod Oblast;
• 8 Kh-22 cruise missiles from Tu-22M3 aircraft from the airspace of Russia's Tula Oblast;
• A total of 40 Shahed-type loitering munitions and decoy drones of other types from the directions of Russia's Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Bryansk and Millerovo.

Anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems and mobile fire groups from Ukraine's defence forces shot down the following aerial targets:

• 1 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missile;
• 5 Kh-69 air-to-surface missiles;
• A total of 16 Shahed-type loitering munitions and 24 decoy drones of various types disappeared from radar (causing no adverse effects)

The Russian attack reportedly resulted in ballistic missile strikes in Sumy and Kyiv oblasts.

Quote from Ukraine's Air Force: "Despite the New Year festivities, we urge citizens not to ignore air-raid warnings. Take care of yourselves and your families!"

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