Foreign Affairs

Ukrainian Air Defenses Successfully Down 69 Russian Drones Amid Escalating Attack

By National Security Desk | February 8, 2026

Despite Ukraine’s impressive air defense response, Russia’s drone barrage inflicted damage on civilian areas, highlighting ongoing threats to regional stability and America’s interests.

In a startling demonstration of resilience, the Ukrainian Air Force reported it shot down 69 of the 101 Russian drones launched in a recent nighttime assault. Yet, even this remarkable defensive effort couldn’t fully prevent destruction as Russian forces managed to hit thirteen locations across Ukraine, underscoring the relentless pressure Kyiv faces.The majority of these drones were Iranian-made 'Shahed' models — a worrying signal that Moscow continues exploiting foreign technology to sustain its aggressive campaign. This underlines a broader strategic challenge for the West: how much longer can the Kremlin rely on shadowy global partners to subvert Ukraine’s sovereignty and...

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