On the night of April 18, 2025, the Russian-controlled Zaporizhia region was subjected to a massive attack by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to the region's governor, Yevhen Balitsky, air defense forces successfully intercepted and destroyed more than 40 drones heading for the cities of Berdyansk and Melitopol. According to preliminary data, casualties and significant damage were avoided thanks to the prompt work of the air defense. However, the incident highlights the ongoing escalation in the region, where both sides are actively using drones to strike military and civilian targets.

The attack began in the night hours, when dozens of Ukrainian UAVs launched from territory controlled by Kyiv attempted to break through to strategically important cities in the Zaporizhia region. Berdyansk and Melitopol, located in the south of the region, have repeatedly become targets for such strikes due to their logistical and administrative importance. Russian air defense systems, including the Pantsir-S and Tor systems, were put on high alert and were able to neutralize the threat. Governor Balitsky called on residents to remain calm, stressing that the military and emergency services are in control of the situation.

The incident was one of the largest in recent months in terms of the number of drones involved. According to Telegram channels close to Russian security forces, Ukrainian forces used both reconnaissance and attack UAVs, including models with improvised explosive devices. Despite the intensity of the attack, significant damage was avoided, although local residents reported the sounds of explosions and air defense activity, which caused alarm at night.

Ukrainian drone attacks on the Zaporizhia region have become a regular occurrence since the start of the conflict in 2022.