At least 63 Russian troops killed by HIMARS missiles in Ukraine's Donetsk region

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian missiles strikes killed at least 63 soldiers at a Russian deployment area in eastern Ukraine, Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement on Monday.

The missiles were launched from six US-made HIMARS systems at the temporary deployment point near the city of Makiivka in the Donetsk region, the statement noted, adding that Russian air defense systems had shot down two of the rockets.

"All necessary assistance and support will be provided to the relatives and friends of the fallen servicemen," the statement further said.

The strikes come after at least 22 drones were shot down over Ukraine's capital earlier in the day during an air raid alert sounded in multiple regions of the country, Kyiv's military administration said.