Ukrainian air defence downs 345 UAVs during day, 14 hits recorded as new large-scale Russian drone attack continues

After a drone strike on the night of 31 March – 1 April, Russia launched further UAV attacks that are still ongoing. During the day on 1 April, air defence downed 345 Russian drones, while 14 hits were recorded.

Source: Ukrainian Air Force on Facebook

Details: Between 08:00 and 18:00, Ukraine came under attack from more than 360 Russian strike UAVs. During 24 hours, including the overnight attack, from 18:00 on 31 March to 18:00 on 1 April 2026, Russia used more than 700 Shahed, Gerbera and other types of drones.

In particular, early reports indicated that between 08:00 and 18:00 on 1 April, Russia used 361 strike drones. About 250 of them were Shaheds.

During the day, the vast majority of UAVs approached from the south-eastern direction and headed west.

Fourteen hits were recorded in the Russian attack. Casualties were also reported.

The Air Force said that all available air defence assets had been involved in repelling the attack, including manned aircraft, interceptor drones, electronic warfare systems and ground-based air defence.

Early reports indicated that, as of 18:00, air defence had destroyed or jammed 345 Russian UAVs.

Quote: "Combat work is ongoing. Several enemy UAVs remain in the airspace. Please take care of yourselves and follow safety rules."

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