Russian troops attacked Ukraine with 76 jet-powered 'Shahed' strike drones on August 18. The main direction of the attack was Kyiv region.
This was reported by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
During the day, Russian military repeatedly launched groups of high-speed drones toward Kyiv region. During air alerts, residents of the region and the capital were urged to stay in shelters.
The daytime attack followed a massive night strike. On the night of August 18, Russia used four Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 140 Shahed strike drones and imitation drones. According to preliminary Air Force data, air defense shot down or suppressed 88 drones. Missile and strike drone hits were recorded at 25 locations, including in Kyiv region.
Thus, after the massive night attack, Russia continued using strike drones during the daytime, with a significant portion of the new wave consisting of jet-powered 'Shaheds'.
Jet-powered modifications differ from classic 'Shaheds' by higher speed, which reduces the detection and reaction time for air defense. Russia has repeatedly used such drones during attacks on Kyiv and the region in August. On August 12, the Air Force warned about groups of jet-powered drones moving toward the capital from several directions.
The Air Force urges residents to follow official reports on air danger and remain in shelters during alerts.
