Ukraine says 73 drones shot down, but no missile strikes reported overnight

The Ukrainian Air Force says it has lost another one of its western-supplied F-16s, with the pilot reported to have ejected safely and rescued.

The jet was said to have been repelling an air attack on the country, and had already destroyed three aerial targets and was engaging a fourth with cannon (a 20mm six-barrel Gatling gun).

Ukraine said overnight it had shot down 73 drones, using a combination of aircraft and mobile fire groups -ground based anti-aircraft artillery units - on the ground. Areas targeted included the east, north, south and centre of the country.

A further 36 “imitator” drones – drones which are not fitted with warheads but are designed to spoof, confuse and overwhelm air defences – are said to have been lost with “no negative consequences”.

No ballistic or cruise missiles are reported to have been launched in this overnight strike.