Khmelnytskyi and Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine – Reports from the Ukrainian Air Force indicated that Russian Shahed attack drones were detected in Ukrainian airspace on the night of April 17-18, bringing explosions in Khmelnytskyi and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts. The prolonged attack persisted throughout the night until Ukrainian Air Force issued an all-clear at 07:29.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, groups of Shahed drones were seen moving across various oblasts in Ukraine. At one point, a group was identified near the border of Poltava and Cherkasy oblasts, with a trajectory towards Kyiv Oblast. Meanwhile, another group was observed maneuvering between Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. The situation escalated when missiles were reported as potential threats in different regions.
As the night progressed, the movement of the Shahed drones intensified, with sightings reported in Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Crimea, Odesa, and other oblasts. Disturbingly, the drones were heading towards populated areas such as Starokostiantyniv, Kyiv, Odesa, Kryvyi Rih, Mykolaiv, and Vinnytsia.
Explosions were confirmed in Khmelnytskyi and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts, prompting concerns about the safety and security of civilians in these regions. The incessant movements of the drones raised alarms about potential threats from ballistic missiles and enemy tactical aircraft, further fueling the tension in frontline areas.
By early morning, the situation showed no signs of abating as more drones were spotted near Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk, highlighting the widespread nature of the threat. Reports of enemy kamikaze drones approaching from multiple directions added to the sense of urgency and heightened alertness among military forces and residents alike.
Ultimately, the Ukrainian Air Force signaled the end of the ordeal with an all-clear at 07:29. The night-long episode of drone activity underscored the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine in safeguarding its airspace and territories against external threats.