Russian Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles
In the pre-dawn hours of May 24, 2025, the Ukrainian air defense systems were subjected to a large-scale aerial attack planned by Russia, successfully shooting down six Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles and 245 drones in major cities, such as Kyiv, as indicated by the Ukraine Ministry of Defence report.
The attack involved 14 ballistic missiles and around 250 drones that targeted critical infrastructure and urban centres, highlighting Russia’s persistent efforts to breach Ukraine’s defences. Ukraine’s military, using advanced air defense capabilities and electronic warfare, contained extensive destruction, a testament to their enhanced resistance against mounting Russian pressure.
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, now in its fourth year since Russia launched its mass invasion in February 2022, has seen a dramatic escalation of the scale and complexity of air raids. Russia has increasingly relied on coordinated drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities, aiming to incapacitate infrastructure and demoralise civilians.
The May 24 assault was notable in scope, with Ukraine’s Air Force describing it as one of the biggest drone campaigns since the conflict started. It was reflective of an increasing Russian trend of attacks in 2025, as Moscow aimed to keep pressure on Ukraine while gradually but steadily making territorial advances on the eastern front.
Previous raids, such as the February 23 raid that involved 267 drones and three Iskander missiles, are an example of Russia’s strategy of overloading Ukrainian defences with low-cost drones backed by high-performance ballistic missile attacks.
Ukraine’s capacity to retaliate
Ukraine’s capacity to retaliate against these raids is a demonstration of great strides in its air defense system, backed by Western-provided systems and domestic technological improvements. Air raid alarms sounded in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and other urban centres as the Russian attack began early this morning. The attack included the launching of 14 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, a sophisticated system with the capability to hit high-value targets with precision.
Iskander-M is a short-range ballistic missile with a range of around 310 miles and a payload capacity of up to 1,500 pounds of conventional or cluster warheads. The missile has a Mach-6-7 speed and a quasi-ballistic flight path, which are hard to intercept in terms of the missile’s speed and manoeuvrability.
Its North Korean counterpart, the KN-23, is similarly described, albeit with minor differences in guidance systems. Russia has been receiving an increasing number of these missiles, with reports indicating over 100 deliveries since October 2024. The missiles were aimed at strategic targets, including most probably military bases and energy targets, with Kyiv being the most important target due to its symbolic and practical significance as the capital city of Ukraine.
Iranian Shahed-136
The missiles, which could be Iranian Shahed-136 or Russian Geran types, followed about 250 drones. Kamikaze drones possess a range of more than 600 miles and may carry a 110-pound payload. They are quite inexpensive; they cost around $20,000 per drone, which makes them ideal for swamping air defences with their sheer numbers.
The reduced speed of approximately 120 miles per hour facilitates extended loitering, a strategy often used to distract or exhaust missile defense systems. Electronic warfare disabled 117 drones and shot down 128 others, demonstrating Ukraine’s growing proficiency in countering drone swarms.
The magnitude of the attack, which coordinated the use of fast ballistic missiles alongside tightly packed swarms of drones, aimed to overwhelm Ukraine’s defense mechanisms and necessitated difficult choices between intercepting drones or missiles.
The Ukrainian reaction was quick and effective. Air defense troops made use of systems like the US-provided Patriot, the ageing Soviet S-300, and possibly the Western-provided NASAMS to successfully intercept six of the 14 Iskander missiles.
The Patriot system
The Patriot system, capable of hitting targets 100 miles away at 80,000 feet, proves highly effective against Iskander ballistic missiles. Its advanced radar and hit-to-kill interceptors allow precise engagements, making them a vital tool in Ukraine’s missile defence. Detonating these missiles, however, is not a simple matter, since their high speeds and manoeuvring techniques require critical coordination and timing.
The successful intercept of almost half of the incoming missiles demonstrates the effectiveness of Ukraine’s multi-layered defense system, which uses radar systems, interceptors, and electronic warfare capabilities to neutralise various threats.
The destruction of 245 drones, with 117 of them taken down using electronic countermeasures, shows that Ukraine has improved its jamming technology to disrupt the link between drones and their operators, making the drones useless. Despite the lack of concrete information, the assault caused minimal damage. Unverified reports indicate that missile and drone fragments landed in residential neighbourhoods in Kiev, injuring at least 15 people.
Kharkiv and Odesa
Other cities that were attacked, such as Kharkiv and Odesa, experienced minimal damage to infrastructure; however, no confirmed fatalities were reported. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence reported that the effective operation of its air defense systems averted mass destruction while protecting key energy and military infrastructure.
The emphasis on Kyiv indicates that Russia was trying to interfere with government and civilian life—a behaviour consistent with past attacks, like the April 24 attack, when 12 people were killed and 90 were injured in the capital.
By focusing efforts on cities, Russia aims to spread terror and drain Ukraine’s resources; however, the limited effectiveness of this offensive demonstrates the success of Ukraine’s defense strategies. The Iskander-M/KN-23 missiles are central elements of Russia’s precision strike complex, specifically intended to effectively destroy command centres, airfields, and other targets.
The solid-fuel rocket motor grants the capability to quickly deploy, thus lessening the warning time for the defending forces. Compared to Kalibr missiles, the Iskander offers greater speed and evasion but lacks strategic range for long-distance strikes. Still, the Iskander performs on par with U.S. equivalents, proving its relevance in today’s competitive missile landscape.
High Precision and Effectiveness
Ukraine has already used the MGM-140 ATACMS to strike Russian targets with high precision and effectiveness. However, the Iskander’s heavier payload and agility sometimes give it a battlefield edge over its American counterpart. Meanwhile, North Korea has upgraded the Soviet Scud into the KN-23, boosting accuracy and battlefield relevance significantly.
This shift highlights Pyongyang’s emerging role as a serious missile supplier in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russia’s sales of North Korean missiles, Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate said, reflect its diminished in-country production capacity, with over 100 KN-23/24 missiles sold to provide Moscow with additional firepower.
Most drones were Shahed-136 models, a cheaper alternative to Russia’s costly missile strikes. These drones use simple piston engines and carry small warheads over long distances to hit civilian targets. Their low cost and easy production allow Russia to launch them in large numbers, reportedly supplied by Iran.
Ukraine’s ability to repel them shows its skill in using both kinetic and non-kinetic defences. Western-supplied jammers and other electronic warfare tools disrupt the drones’ GPS and communications, causing them to crash or drift off. This approach is cheaper than firing expensive air defence missiles, and it shows Ukraine’s adaptability to new drone threats.
Drones and Militias
Israel faces similar drone challenges from Hamas and Hezbollah, but Ukraine’s engagements happen on a much larger scale. Russia’s motives seem layered — destabilising Ukraine, wrecking its energy grid, and breaking civilian morale. Ballistic missiles target strategic sites, while drone swarms aim to overwhelm defences and spread confusion.
Ukraine’s high interception rate shows Russia’s plan failed, as defences held stronger than Moscow expected. This mirrors the February 1, 2025 attack that killed 12 and damaged Ukraine’s energy facilities. During that attack, Ukraine’s air defences also prevented far worse losses.
Russia’s February 23 drone raid demonstrates an attrition-based strategy aimed at depleting Ukraine’s missile arsenal. Ukraine’s air defences have improved since the war began, from Soviet S-300s to advanced Patriot and NASAMS systems. The Patriot, with PAC-3 interceptors, can hit ballistic missiles at high altitudes and is key to Kyiv’s safety.
Electronic Warfare
With fewer than ten launchers available, Ukraine must use them strategically. Electronic warfare is now vital, with Ukraine building its own systems to defeat Russian drones. Russian S-400 air defences have failed to stop Ukrainian attacks, including the loss of one near Belgorod in October 2024.
Ukraine’s latest success raises doubts over Russia’s combat effectiveness and supply situation. Reports suggest Moscow’s purchase of North Korean KN-23 missiles shows it is running short and turning to allies. The high interception rate points to Russian targeting errors and poor coordination.
Ukraine destroyed 245 of 250 drones, disabling 117 electronically, proving its EW strength may exceed Russia’s. This marks a shift from earlier stages of the war, during which Russian bombing resulted in dozens of casualties, such as in December 2023. The attack also shows political strains for Ukraine’s allies. During Donald Trump’s second term, the US pushed for ceasefire talks, blaming Ukraine for rejecting concessions.
European leaders, including Donald Tusk and Kaja Kallas, condemned Russia’s attacks and urged more military aid for Ukraine. The May 24 strike, following stalled peace talks, likely strengthened Western resolve to send more air defence systems.
Potential aid could include additional Patriot batteries and advanced jamming equipment. Trump’s wavering support, reflected in his Truth Social posts, has raised doubts about America’s commitment.
Relying on the EU
Ukraine now leans more heavily on European allies, especially the UK and Germany. The wider implications of the attack underscore the fluidity of the war. Russians use ballistic missiles and drone swarms to exploit gaps in Ukraine’s defences.
However, Ukraine has adapted quickly, intercepting more threats and reducing the impact of such attacks. Moreover, Ukraine now uses electronic warfare to disable drones, showing strong local innovation supported by Western allies.
For example, Ukrainian forces blend homegrown tech with external aid to counter enemy UAVs effectively. Additionally, Ukraine launched long-range strikes in January 2025 on Russian oil sites and military targets. These actions disrupted Russia’s plans and forced Moscow to reconsider its strategic assumptions. At the same time, Russia keeps advancing in Donetsk, trying to pressure Ukraine on the ground.
Strong Air Defenses
Yet, Ukraine’s strong air defences continue to frustrate Moscow’s attempts to dominate the skies. Therefore, both sides appear locked in a prolonged conflict with no clear end in sight. Unless diplomacy gains ground, the war may continue draining resources and causing widespread instability. Russia is expected to continue its intense aerial bombardments, using its missile and drone stockpile to pressure Ukraine.
Capacity constraints in local production may increase its reliance on North Korean and Iranian ammunition. Ukraine must continue to sustain its air defense capabilities, which will require increased Western support to replenish missile supplies and enhance its electronic warfare capabilities.
The successful prevention of the May 24 attack demonstrates that Ukraine is able to learn; that being said, the scope of the challenge remains significant. At the beginning of the winter, attacks on energy infrastructure could intensify, severely jeopardising Ukraine’s ability to provide civilian services.
May 24, 2025, will be the day the strength of Ukraine’s air defense becomes a major turning point in the protracted war, showing the country’s ability to fend off one of Russia’s biggest air attacks to date.
Ukrainian forces shot down six Iskander missiles and 245 drones, defending major cities and critical infrastructure from destruction. Their swift action effectively neutralised Russia’s attempt to overwhelm and terrorise them with a large-scale aerial offensive.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to escalate the conflict through persistent military aggression and geopolitical pressure. As Ukraine adjusts and strengthens its defences, the international community makes tough decisions.
Either it must increase support to counter Russian advances or risk a drawn-out war with serious global consequences. Will the Western world raise its support for Ukraine, or will the burden rest with Kyiv alone?
Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022
In February 2022, Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, escalating tensions that started with Crimea’s annexation in 2014. The first strikes targeted key Ukrainian cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mariupol, as Russia sought a quick victory. Ukrainian forces and civilians resisted fiercely, turning the conflict into prolonged urban battles and entrenched frontline warfare.
NATO nations responded with military aid for Ukraine, while other countries imposed harsh sanctions on Russia. In 2022 and early 2023, frontlines shifted as Ukraine recaptured territory in Kharkiv and Kherson. The war took a heavy toll, leaving tens of thousands dead and millions displaced from their homes.
The destruction of vital infrastructure led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and electricity in many regions. The global community watched closely, attempting peace talks, though none achieved lasting progress. By mid-2024, the fighting had become a grinding war of attrition, exhausting both sides militarily and economically.
Some nations pushed for continued aid to Ukraine, while others called for urgent negotiations. The war disrupted energy markets, drove up food prices, and caused significant geopolitical shifts worldwide. Despite the chaos, Ukrainian culture thrived, with art, literature, and music expressing defiance and national pride. In early 2025, tensions remain high, with no clear end to the war in sight.
Conclusion
Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have adapted to a harsh reality of sporadic yet intense conflict. Despite ongoing efforts to stabilise the region, large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine remain fiercely contested. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid continues to be delivered, though fighting often disrupts its reach and impact on vulnerable communities.
This war now symbolises the complexities of early 21st-century conflict and modern battlefield dynamics. It reflects not only evolving warfare but also tests the limits of international law and global diplomacy. At the same time, it highlights the strength and resilience of ordinary people enduring extraordinary hardship.
References
- Ukraine Ministry of Defence – mil.gov.ua
- Defense News Today – defensenewstoday.info
- Ukrainian Air Force (Facebook)—facebook.com/kpszsu
- Ukrainian Military Intelligence (GUR)—gur.gov.ua
- Patriot System Overview – missiledefenseadvocacy.org
- KN-23 Missile (CSIS) – missilethreat.csis.org
- Shahed-136 Drone – army-technology.com
- NATO–Ukraine Relations – nato.int
- BBC Ukraine Conflict – bbc.com
- ECFR – ecfr.eu
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