On the night of February 4-5, 2025, Russia launched another substantial air attack on Ukraine, unleashing two Iskander-M ballistic missiles and over 100 Shahed-type drones. The Ukrainian Air Forces have reported their successful interception of more than half of the enemy’s aerial threats. This perilous operation began just after 8 PM, targeting key regions across Ukraine, indicating continued hostilities as the conflict endures.
The assault included 104 drones and 2 ballistic missiles, with Ukrainian air defense forces managing to shoot down 57 drones, as confirmed by military officials by 9 AM on February 5. The operation was executed from multiple Russian locations including Oryol, Kursk, Bryansk, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk.
According to the Air Forces of Ukraine, the drones aimed at various regions, including Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Donetsk. The measures taken by Ukrainian air defense included aircraft, anti-aircraft missile systems, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups. Remarkably, 42 drones did not reach their targets, deemed lost locally during the attack.
This offensive strategy is part of Russia's broader campaign to undermine Ukrainian infrastructure, which has faced consistent bombardment since the onset of the full-scale conflict. The February 4-5 attack was characterized by its intensity, with Ukrainian forces noting the strategic deployment of drones and missiles aimed at sustaining pressure on key urban centers.
Throughout the conflict, this is not the first time Russian forces have targeted Ukraine with drone attacks. On the previous night, February 4, there was another incident where 65 drones were launched, with Ukrainian air defenders successfully downing 37 of these threats. These patterns showcase the relentless nature of aerial assaults on Ukraine, particularly focusing on civilian and infrastructural targets.
Reports from different regions indicate active responses from Ukrainian officials and the military, emphasizing the vigilance of air defense systems. For example, Serhiy Lysak, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, confirmed the destruction of one enemy UAV over their territory. Similarly, Ihor Taburets, head of the Cherkasy Regional Military Administration, indicated the downing of five drones within his jurisdiction during the overnight attack. Luckily, there were no human casualties or significant damage reported across most affected areas.
While trajectories of the missile strikes predominantly hit various regions, major cities like Kyiv saw extensive efforts to safeguard their populations from imminent danger. Over the Khmelnytskyi region, air defense forces blocked six enemy UAVs, mitigating potential impacts. The prompt reactions from Ukrainian defense personnel have so far proven effective, showcasing their tactical preparedness against such assaults.
Despite these successful interceptions, the continuing frequency of Russian airstrikes highlights the tense and deteriorative environment faced by civilians. With cities consistently bracing for the next strike, residents are left to manage the psychological toll and physical dangers posed by the conflict.
Overall, this latest attack on February 4-5 not only signifies the high stakes involved as the conflict escalates, but also demonstrates Ukraine's resilience and tactical competency. The Ukrainian military's operational capabilities are continuously being tested, as they face both direct and indirect assaults across various fronts.
The standout resilience of Ukrainian forces, coupled with the dire reality of civilian life during these onslaughts, paints the picture of a nation at war, battling on multiple levels to maintain sovereignty and protect its inhabitants. Watching closely, the international community remains alert to the ramifications of this protracted conflict and its broader geopolitical consequences.