On the night of February 19-20, Russian forces executed a coordinated attack on Ukraine, deploying an Iskander-M ballistic missile alongside 128 various drones, including Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas models. The assault targeted 14 locations across Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict and the strategies employed by Russian military assets. Ukrainian air defense systems engaged swiftly in the operation, reportedly destroying or jamming 107 of the incoming UAVs across multiple regions including the north, south, and east.

The missile attack was launched from Russia's Rostov Oblast, with the drones being deployed from Russian cities such as Bryansk, Kursk, Oryol, Shatalovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, as well as from areas in Donetsk Oblast currently under Russian control. Notably, around 80 of the drones utilized in this offensive were identified as Shahed loitering munitions, which have become a common component of Russia's drone warfare strategy in Ukraine. Despite the scale and intensity of the assault, Ukrainian air defenses demonstrated significant effectiveness in countering the threat.

This incident underscores the persistent danger posed to Ukraine by Russian aerial assaults, as well as the ongoing evolution of military tactics on both sides of the conflict. The successful interception of a majority of the drones showcases Ukraine’s developing capabilities in air defense, which are crucial in protecting civilian infrastructure and military assets in the face of such relentless attacks. The situation remains critical as both sides continue to adapt and respond to the changing dynamics of the war.