Ukrainian Teacher-Turned-Soldier Shoots Down Russian Missile

Nataliia Hrabarchuk successfully executed her first combat launch amid one of the largest Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Nataliia Hrabarchuk, formerly a kindergarten teacher, joined Ukraine's air defense forces in 2021 and recently completed extensive training.
She used an Igla MANPADS to intercept a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile during a significant missile and drone attack on Ukraine.
The attack involved approximately 120 missiles and 90 drones, marking one of the most intense assaults in recent months.
Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down over 140 targets, though some missiles caused civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
The U.S. has authorized Ukraine to use American weapons for strikes on Russian territory, a decision that has prompted warnings from Russia about escalating tensions.