Russia attacked Ukraine with 162 drones: air defense shot down 125 targets - one of the largest strikes of the fall

As the night turns into a blizzard of electronic buzz, every shot in the sky becomes a personal battle. People hide their faces in their hands, waiting for those few seconds to hang in the balance—whether it will fly by or hit the heart of the city. Today, Ukraine wakes up to new statistics: 162 attacking UAVs in one night, 125 shot down by targets. The calculation is not based on numbers, but on fate: every Shahed neutralized is a roof saved, a life saved, a sense of unity preserved.

Timeline of the largest drone attack

On the night of November 24, 2025, the Russian occupiers carried out one of the most intensive and coordinated strikes on the territory of Ukraine. Waves of drones of various types were launched from the directions of Kursk, Bryansk, Orel, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk and Gvardiyske in Crimea¹A total of 162 strike UAVs were recorded, most of which were Shahed, as well as Gerbers and other models.

Epicenters of the attack: geography of the strike and main targets

The spread of the strike covered almost the entire country: in the east, south, north and even partially in the west. 37 drones reached targets in 15 different locations. The main objects were civilian infrastructure - private households, energy hubs, transport arteries. Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk regions were most affected¹.

In Chernihiv, the strike injured two people, damaged dozens of houses, and knocked out power supplies.

Air defense work: professionalism, innovation, new defense tactics

Thanks to the coordination of the Air Force, according to preliminary data as of 9:00 a.m., 125 out of 162 enemy drones were destroyed or suppressed.¹. This is not just a brilliant statistic — it is evidence of the effectiveness of the new integrated defense system. Later, the Armed Forces of Ukraine clarified that some Shaheds strayed from mobile groups, having previously used the “interceptor” complex and electronic warfare systems.

In remote towns like Pavlohrad, the attacks led to a complete blackout: boiler houses and water supply are operating on a minimal schedule, and local services are forced to start backup generators an hour before an attack.

New challenges for air defense: adapting to changing enemy tactics

According to the command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the enemy is switching to combination-wave attacks, when Shaheds launch from different points at different times - this creates a load on air defense calculations and requires an instant response. The use of interceptor drones, mobile groups and new electronic warfare means has become not just an option - but a survival requirement for key cities and regions.

Consequences for infrastructure and population

Dozens of private homes were damaged by the “shaheeds,” and the partially started fires were extinguished within a day. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians were left without electricity, water, and heat, and rescue services were preparing for a local blackout the day before. Local administrations declared a “red” level of danger, while evacuating residents for the period of providing critical infrastructure.

Reaction of society and authorities

In official statements, President Zelensky and the General Staff expressed gratitude to all who protected the sky and saved people on the most difficult night of November. Humanitarian centers worked around the clock - providing food, water, and medical services, and psychologists opened additional support hotlines for victims.

International response: how does the world evaluate the feat of the air defense?

European and American media quickly reacted to the new record of Ukrainian air defense. Experts from CNN, Reuters, DW emphasize that the scale of the attack and the success of the defense are unique in modern military history. NATO and allies have once again reiterated: Ukraine demonstrates not only resilience, but also an innovative ability to quickly adapt to new military threats.

Conclusion: The Battle for the Sky and the Price of Peace

162 drones in one night are more than just numbers. They are a symbol of the indomitability of a nation that seeks a balance between life and struggle every day. The effectiveness of air defense determines the quality of future security, and the dedication of the military and rescuers is our confidence in tomorrow. From this night, Ukraine has become even stronger.

Sources

1. Censor.NET: Shaheed Attack on November 24, Official Air Force Report, 2025