6 Russian balloons shot down over Kyiv, air alerts sounded

Ukraine has mentioned its navy has shot down six Russian balloons over Kyiv, suspected of carrying nook reflectors. Earlier, a spokesperson of the Ukrainian air pressure mentioned Russia might be utilizing balloons to protect its shares of reconnaissance drones.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 16, 2023 09:49 IST

A missile hint is seen in a sky close to Kyiv (Photo: Reuters)

By India Today Web Desk: Ukraine’s navy administration on Wednesday mentioned it shot down six Russian balloons noticed over Kyiv. The administration mentioned the balloons could have been carrying nook reflectors and reconnaissance tools.

It was not clear whether or not the balloons flew over the capital, though air alerts have been sounded in Kyiv on Wednesday.

“According to information that is now being clarified, these were balloons that move in the air under the propulsion of wind,” the navy administration wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

“The purpose of launching the balloons was possibly to detect and exhaust our air defences.”

Shortly earlier than the announcement, Ukrainian air pressure spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat mentioned Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February final 12 months, might be utilizing balloons in a brand new drive to protect its shares of reconnaissance drones.

“Reconnaissance drones like the Orlan-10 are now being used more sparingly (by Russia), and they thought ‘Why don’t we use these balloons?’ So they are using them,” Ihnat instructed Ukrainian tv.

He confirmed that air raid sirens had blared within the capital on Wednesday due to balloons flying overhead.

Ihnat echoed the navy administration’s suggestion that Russia might be utilizing the balloons to distract Ukrainian air defences.

“The enemy wants us to use our air defences, which protect our strategic objects, on these balloons, which cost nothing.”

Published On:

Feb 16, 2023