Russia carried out one of the largest attacks of the war, launching more than 600 drones and missiles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
In a statement on Telegram, the Air Force reported that in the early hours of Aug. 21, Russia launched 574 Shahed attack drones and decoys, along with 40 missiles, including:
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- 4 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles
- 2 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles
- 19 Kh-101 cruise missiles from the Saratov region
- 14 Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea
- 1 unidentified missile from Crimea
The attack was countered by aviation, air defense systems, electronic warfare units, UAV units, and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
By 9 a.m., air defenses reported downing or suppressing 577 targets:
- 546 Shahed drones and decoys
- 1 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile
- 18 Kh-101 cruise missiles
- 12 Kalibr cruise missiles
Despite the defenses, missiles and drones struck 11 locations, while falling debris caused damage at three more sites.
In the Zakarpattia region, two Kalibr missiles hit a plant in Mukachevo belonging to an American household appliance manufacturer.
The head of the regional military administration, Myroslav Biletsky, said 12 employees were injured, two of them seriously. Later, the State Emergency Service (DSNS) clarified the number of injured as at least 15. A massive fire covering about 7,000 square meters broke out at the site and is being brought under control.
President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the attack on Telegram:
“Tonight the Russian army set one of its crazy anti-records. They hit civilian infrastructure, residential buildings, our people,” he wrote.
Zelensky noted that the Russians “spent several cruise missiles against an American enterprise in the Zakarpattia region.”
Ukraine Launches Drone Blitz on Russian Explosives Plants and Fuel Hubs
“It was an ordinary civilian enterprise, American investment. They produced such familiar household items as coffee machines. And it is also a target for the Russians. Very telling,” he added.
The president said rescuers are also working in many other regions, from Zaporizhzhia to Volyn.
“The Russians delivered this blow as if nothing had changed at all. As if there were no efforts by the world to stop this war. A reaction is needed,” Zelensky said.
“There is still no signal from Moscow that they are really going to engage in meaningful negotiations and end this war. Pressure is needed. Strong sanctions, strong tariffs,” he added.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stressed that the facility was entirely civilian and had no connection to military infrastructure.
Strikes were also recorded in several districts of Lviv, damaging private homes, non-residential buildings, and vehicles.
“Unfortunately, one person died as a result of the attack. It is previously known about two injured,” the DSNS said.
Police later reported at least three people injured.
As Kyiv Post previously reported, Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine, using Shahed drones, Kalibr cruise missiles, and Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles.
Groups of Shahed drones were sent from multiple directions starting the evening of Aug. 20. While Kyiv was initially thought to be the main target, the Ukrainian Air Force later confirmed drones were headed across the country.
Explosions and air defense activity were reported in Kyiv around midnight, with additional strikes near Chernihiv.
Around 3 a.m., Russian MiG-31K aircraft launched Kinzhal missiles toward Rivne, while Kalibr cruise missiles were fired from the Black Sea.
Explosions were reported in Rivne, Lviv, Lutsk, and Mukachevo, and Zaporizhzhia was hit twice, damaging homes and industrial facilities. No casualties were reported there.
Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, shared: “Russia carried out an attack on Lviv – used Shaheds and rockets. One person was killed. Many civilian houses were damaged. Putin talks about peace but does not take a single step to achieve it.”
He added: “Instead of real solutions, there are attacks on civilians. There is no logic in this – only the desire to kill. We are working with partners to stop the killings.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
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