«Shahed» drones flying much lower over Kyiv as enemy changes strike tactics, analyst says
Russian «Shahed» drones flew at much lower altitudes during a nighttime attack on Kyiv, deliberately passing over densely populated areas of the capital, resulting in numerous strikes on residential buildings.
Drone / © TSN.ua
During another "Shahed" attack on Kyiv on January 9, 2026, a new and dangerous enemy tactic was observed, with drones flying at significantly lower altitudes than before.
Military analyst Bohdan Myroshnykov shared this in a social media post.
He said "Shahed"-type drones had previously typically flown at altitudes equivalent to around 25–30 storeys, but are now flying at the level of 17–22 storeys or even lower. In addition, the drones are increasingly flying directly over the most densely populated districts of the capital, including Darnytskyi, Dniprovskyi and Desnianskyi.
So far, direct hits have been confirmed on more than five high-rise residential buildings, with several dozen other buildings damaged by blast waves and falling debris. Details on the scale of destruction and the number of casualties are still being clarified.
Myroshnykov said the change in flight altitude was not accidental and could indicate a deliberate attempt by Russian forces to increase civilian casualties.