Ukraine Downs Over 230 Russian Drones, Missiles in Overnight Assault

On the night of August 19-20, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine using 270 Shahed strike and decoy drones, 10 ballistic and cruise missiles including Iskander-M and Kh-101 types, from multiple locations such as Crimea, Kursk, Millerovo, and Rostov regions. Ukrainian air defense forces, supported by aviation, electronic warfare, and mobile fire groups, successfully intercepted or neutralized the majority of these threats, shooting down approximately 236 targets, including one ballistic missile and 62 drones, though some missiles and drones still struck 16 locations causing damage to administrative buildings, energy infrastructure, residential areas, and injuring one person. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister thanked the United States and President Donald Trump for their efforts towards peace and highlighted a planned meeting of Ukrainian, Russian, and US presidents as a potential breakthrough. Meanwhile, Russian air defense claimed to have shot down 42 Ukrainian drones over several Russian regions during the same period without causing casualties or damage. Both sides are engaged in intense aerial and drone combat, reflecting ongoing hostilities and the high use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the conflict.