Massive Drone Attacks Hit Russian Regions
Early Saturday morning, several Russian regions experienced a massive drone assault, leading to explosions and air defense activity. Russian Telegram channels reported a fire in Novorossiysk, with residents in Voronezh, Kursk, Saratov, and Lipetsk regions witnessing the drone attacks. Additionally, authorities in Anapa (Krasnodar Krai) confirmed drone activity in their area.
Social media users in Novorossiysk shared videos depicting air defense operations and explosions. Another video showed a fire resulting from a drone strike at the port, as reported by witnesses. The Kerch Bridge in Russian-occupied Crimea was closed late on Jan. 10 due to unidentified drones flying over the peninsula, with videos capturing drone sounds and air defense systems in action.
Ukrainian Forces Repel Russian Drone Attack
In response to the Russian drone attack, Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive. Russian forces deployed 74 Shahed attack UAVs and decoy drones towards Ukraine from four directions, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. However, the attack was successfully repelled by anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire teams from the Air Force and Ukrainian Defense Forces.
As of 09:00, 47 Shahed attack UAVs and other drones had been destroyed by Ukrainian forces. Air defense systems were activated across multiple regions in Ukraine, including Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, Kirovohrad, Kherson, and Mykolaiv. Falling debris from downed Russian drones caused damage in seven Ukrainian regions, including farm buildings, institutions, private homes, and vehicles. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and recovery efforts are underway.
Successful Ukrainian Counterattack
Kyiv Post sources within Ukraine’s special services revealed a successful coordinated operation by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Ukrainian Navy. This operation targeted a Russian reconnaissance drone storage facility in the Rostov region on Jan. 10. SBU drones overwhelmed Russian air defense systems, allowing for a Neptune missile strike that caused powerful explosions, likely igniting stored ammunition. Russian social media reported hearing drones, air defense activity, and significant explosions throughout the night, with additional blasts occurring later.
Julia Struck, a news writer and Kyiv Post correspondent, has specialized in covering Ukrainian parliament, government, and law enforcement agencies. Her dedicated coverage offers valuable insights into the ongoing conflict and the critical events unfolding in the region.
