Ukrainian air defense destroyed six Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles, three ballistic missiles, and nine Kalibr cruise missiles

16 May, 2023 Illustration for the news. Patriot air defense system. Photo credits: AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski

On the night of May 16, Ukrainian air defense destroyed 18 missiles and 9 enemy drones. The Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this. This was the eighth air attack on Kyiv since the beginning of May.

This time, the enemy launched a complex attack. It was exceptional in its density, with the maximum number of attacking missiles within the shortest amount of time. Around 3:30 a.m., the Russians fired 18 air, sea, and land-launched missiles of various types.

The Russian invaders attacked Ukraine from the north, south, and east.

Ukrainian air defense destroyed 18 missiles and 9 drones

Six Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missiles were launched from six MiG-31K fighter jets. Nine Kalibr cruise missiles were launched from Russian warships in the Black Sea. The invaders also used three land-launched missiles (S-400, Iskander-M).

The Ukrainian Air Force announced the air defense forces destroying all missiles. Ballistic and air-launched ballistic missiles were likely destroyed with the Patriot air defense systems, which Ukraine received from partners. In addition, on the night of May 16, the Russians attacked Ukraine with Shahed-136/131 kamikaze drones and conducted aerial reconnaissance with three Orlan-10 and Super?am reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles.

All enemy drones were destroyed. According to the information reported by the Kyiv City Military Administration, debris was preliminarily discovered in the Solomianskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, Obolonskyi, and Darnytskyi districts of the capital.

The aftermath of falling missile debris. Kyiv, May 16, 2023.

Photo credits: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

The biggest damage occurred in the Solomianskyi district - there was a fire in a non-residential building and several units of automobile equipment. The fire has already been extinguished.

The aftermath of falling missile debris. Kyiv, May 16, 2023.

Photo credits: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

In the rest of the Kyiv districts, the damage is not significant - debris fell on cars in a parking lot, residential areas, or forest park areas. Three victims are reported to have been injured.