Overnight Intensification in the Russia–Ukraine War: Drone and Missile Barrages, Fierce Fighting Along the Front Lines
Moscow/Kyiv — By the morning of January 22, the Russia–Ukraine war had grown even more intense. Overnight attacks and counterattacks caused significant human and material losses in border areas and along the front lines. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, a total of 176 aircraft-type drones were shot down between 11:00 p.m. on January 20 and 11:00 p.m. on January 21 alone, indicating that air defense systems were operating at full capacity.
During the night, a port terminal in the settlement of Volna in Russia’s Krasnodar Region was attacked. Following the incident, fires at four terminals were reportedly brought under control. The attack resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to eight civilians. Air defense systems were also active over Volgograd and the Rostov Region, neutralizing potential threats, according to reports.
On the Ukrainian side, intensified strikes on energy infrastructure have prompted preparations for large-scale deliveries of generators from the European Union. Generators worth hundreds of millions are expected, with Poland alone pledging to supply 400 units. Meanwhile, Russian armed forces carried out overnight strikes on targets in Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, and the Odesa region.
The governor of Russia’s Bryansk Region reported damage to energy facilities following the use of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. On the Sumy front, forces from Russia’s Northern Group continued offensive operations in previously active sectors.
Over Belgorod, enemy missiles were intercepted during the night, reportedly launched from an American-made HIMARS system. In the village of Chervona Dibrovka, a drone strike damaged a truck, injuring the driver. In the hamlet of Yekaterinovka, a soldier from the “Orlan” unit was wounded while repelling an attack by an FPV drone.
On the Kharkiv front, Northern Group forces pushed back enemy defenses in areas southwest of Lyman, including Volchansk Hutors and Hatnyi, disrupting enemy logistics. Heavy fighting continues in the Kupyansk area.
In Konstantinovka, reports indicate that assault units are advancing within built-up urban areas, suggesting the use of tactics involving infiltration by small assault groups. West of Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), Russian forces stormed the eastern part of Grishino, following earlier intensive air strikes on the village.
In the eastern part of the Zaporizhzhia region, the Eastern Group of Forces repelled seven enemy counterattacks from different directions, reportedly destroying two tanks and one armored personnel carrier. Russian forces continue advancing westward. On the Zaporizhzhia front, fighting is ongoing around Primorsk, while reports suggest forward units have advanced north of Stepnogorsk along the road toward the city of Zaporizhzhia. Operations are also focused northeast of Lukyanovsk and on targets in Malokaterinovka. At the same time, attacks on civilians persist, with two civilians injured in Vasilyevka.
In the Kherson region, one person was injured in an attack on Lyubimovka. A total of 17 populated areas are reported to be under enemy shelling. Overall, the escalating intensity of the war continues to deepen the humanitarian crisis, while diplomatic efforts have yet to reach a decisive turning point.
