6 Russian Balloons Shot Down by Ukraine Military over Kyiv

Ukraine’s defence forces shot down six Russian balloons flying over Kyiv. They were suspected to be carrying corner reflectors. Ukraine authorities said these balloons may have been carrying corner reflectors and reconnaissance equipment.

“The purpose of launching the balloons was possibly to detect and exhaust our air defences,” Ukraine’s military administration wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said Russia, could be using balloons in a new drive to preserve its stocks of reconnaissance drones.

Air raid sirens had blared in the capital of Ukraine on Wednesday when these balloons were sighted to be flying overhead.

It is suspected that Russia could be using these balloons to distract Ukrainian air defences. It may be an attempt by Russia to make Ukraine use up its air defence weapons that are used to protect strategic locations. For Russia these balloons cost nothing. But they can exhaust the air defence power of Ukraine.