Ukraine claims to have shot down 36 drones launched by Russia

KYIV (Reuters) – Ukraine said on Thursday it shot down 36 Iranian-made drones launched by Russia overnight that Kiev said were targeting military installations and other critical infrastructure.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said it had been a “difficult night”, while commending the air defense work.

“Continuing to terrorize Ukraine, the enemy used 36 martyrs (drones). None of them hit their targets. Thanks to our air defense forces for this 100% result,” he said. He writes on the Telegram messaging app.

“The enemy was trying to attack important infrastructure and military installations in the western regions of the state,” the Ukrainian Air Force said on Telegram.

Since last October, Moscow has regularly sent waves of drones to attack targets in Ukraine. Although slower, drones are cheaper and easier to replace than advanced missiles.

(Reporting by Max Hunder, French edition edited by Nathan Vifflin, Blandine Heinault)