Russia’s defense ministry announced on Saturday that its air defense systems shot down 32 Ukrainian drones over the night. The ministry said that the drones were launched from Ukraine and were targeting Russian territory.
The ministry also said that a Russian patrol ship in the Black Sea destroyed a Ukrainian naval drone that was heading for Crimea.
The announcement came a day after Russia launched its largest attack on Ukraine since the war began. The attack killed at least 30 people and injured more than 160.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attacks, calling them “horrific.” Poland, a member of NATO, also condemned the attacks, saying that a Russian cruise missile violated its airspace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia used “almost all types of weapons in its arsenal” in the attack. The Ukrainian Air Force said that 158 missiles and drones were launched, of which 115 were shot down.
Zelensky’s aide Andriy Yermak said that the attacks targeted civilian infrastructure, adding that Ukraine needs more support from the West.
US President Joe Biden urged Congress on Friday to take “emergency” steps to provide more military assistance to Ukraine. He said that the Russian attack showed that Russia is trying to “wipe out” Ukraine.
