This morning, 16 March, Russian forces attacked Kyiv with more than 30 drones of various types equipped with communication channels.
Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said this during the national telethon. Meanwhile, Defence Express reported that suspected debris of Lancet drones had been found.
At the same time, Defence Minister’s adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov said that a Lancet would not be capable of reaching Kyiv.
“These UAVs physically do not have the battery capacity or radio-control capabilities for such a distance. I believe it is likely that the debris was deliberately dropped from Shahed drone UAVs as part of an enemy information and psychological operation,” he wrote on Facebook.
In total, more than 30 drones were launched.
“It was indeed an unusual attack this morning at around 9 a.m., when more than 30 drones of different types were directed towards Kyiv Region. One of the troubling aspects is that these drones do have communication channels — they use our networks and other channels of communication. The enemy can control them,” Ihnat said.
He added that the UAVs were of various types, including reconnaissance drones, although most were strike drones.
“The enemy is, of course, carrying out certain upgrades. The drones are becoming less visible and harder to suppress with electronic warfare systems,” the spokesperson noted.
According to Ihnat, whereas in 2022–2023 drone antennas had four elements, now they have as many as 16.
The debris found in central Kyiv will be identified and examined. Specialists are currently working at the sites to determine exactly which types of UAVs were used in the attack.
“There was also information about a high-speed target whose flight parameters resembled those of a cruise missile. For now this information has not been confirmed — whether it was interference or some kind of decoy will also be established. At present there is no data about any strikes or destruction related to this target,” Ihnat said.
Defence Express noted that the usual flight range of the Lancet drone is about 50 km, although Russia has claimed they can now regularly fly up to 90 km, with a record range of 136 km.
- On Monday morning the Russian army carried out another attack on Kyiv. Air defence systems were activated. The attack lasted about 1.5 hours, with the all-clear announced at 9:58 a.m. No casualties were reported.