During today's attack, the Russians fired six Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles against Ukraine. This is the first time that Ukrainian air defence forces have simultaneously hit so many missiles, Yuriy Ihnat, spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force Command, has said at a briefing.
"The peculiarity of the latest attack is the use of a large number of Kh-47 Kinzhal air-launched missiles. This is the first time such a large number of these weapons have been used," said Ihnat.
He noted that it is extremely symbolic for the enemy to strike at the heart of the country. Ihnat also recalled that the capital was the main target from the first days of Russia's aggression. The intention was to surround and capture Kyiv.
"But the enemy failed to do so, and now the 'aerial terrorism' of the capital just continues," Ihnat said.
On the night of 16 May, Ukrainian air defence systems shot down all 18 missiles fired by the Russians, including six Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles. The air defences also shot down nine Kalibr cruise missiles, three ground-launched missiles (S-400, Iskander-M), and drones.
According to Ekonomichna Pravda's estimates, the night attack on Ukraine cost Russia at least $120 million.