On the night of February 16-17, Ukrainian air defence engaged in a significant conflict with Russian forces who launched a series of aerial assaults involving a variety of missiles and drones. Included in this attack were ballistic missiles like Iskander-M and numerous types of cruise missiles alongside a vast number of drones, primarily focusing on loitering munitions, such as the Shahed. Reports showcased that Ukrainian air defence systems managed to intercept and neutralize a substantial quantity of these threats, totaling 392 aerial assets by the morning of February 17.

The specifics of the interception detail that Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed 25 Russian missiles, including 20 Kh-101 cruise missiles, 4 Iskander-K cruise missiles, and additional drones that comprised the majority of the assault. The Ukraine Air Force provided insights into the situation, indicating hits recorded at 18 different locations, where debris from downed aerial assets also posed a risk in separate areas. This highlights the active and potent role of Ukraine’s air defence capabilities amid ongoing conflicts, showcasing a heightened state of readiness and operational effectiveness in countering aerial threats.

This event underscores the sustained intensity of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, reflecting not only on the aggressive tactics employed by Russian forces but also on Ukraine’s resilience and the importance of its air defence systems. Each successful interception bolstered Ukraine's defence strategy, aiming to mitigate the impact of such assaults and preserve critical infrastructure from continual threats.