KYIV 31 August 2024 (TDI): Ukrainian air defenses shot down approximately 24 of the 52 drones launched by Russian forces during overnight strikes on eight regions across Ukraine, according to the air force on Saturday.
The air force also reported that 25 Shahed drones fell on their own, while 3 others veered towards Belarus and Russia. There were no reported injuries or significant damage from the strikes.
Media reports say that Ukraine employs electronic warfare, mobile hunting groups, and aircraft to counter Russian drone attacks. During the overnight strikes, air alerts were issued multiple times, causing many citizens to seek shelter.
In Kyiv, which experienced a four-hour alert, this was the fourth drone strike of the week. Officials confirmed that all drones targeting the city were intercepted with no major damage reported.
Zelensky Fires Air Force Commander
In a separate development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk, the commander of the air force, on Friday. This decision came four days after an F-16 jet, recently acquired from the West, crashed during a Russian bombardment, resulting in the pilot’s death. The termination order was published on the presidential website.
In a statement shortly after the dismissal, Zelensky emphasized the need to enhance security and strengthen military leadership. The army’s general staff announced that Zelensky himself has been appointed acting commander of the air force.
Also Read More: Russian drones hit residential buildings in Ukraine
The dismissal coincided with Oleshchuk’s criticism of an MP who is the deputy head of the Ukrainian parliament’s defense committee. The MP had suggested that the F-16 was downed by a Patriot air-defense system. Kyiv has received an unspecified number of these U.S.-made systems.
