At least six Russian reconnaissance balloons carrying radar reflectors were shot down over Kyiv, representing a new Russian tactic to gather intelligence on Ukrainian air defense systems and force Ukraine to expend surface-to-air missiles.

In three days at least six balloons carrying radar reflectors were shot down over Kyiv.

Ukraine's air defense shot down most of about six Russian spy balloons over Kyiv on Feb. 15.

The balloons were likely carrying corner reflectors and reconnaissance equipment, based on the report.

Three days after reporting balloons in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine reported shooting down at least six balloons with radar reflectors over Kyiv.

British intelligence assesses that these balloons likely represent a Russian tactic to force Ukraine to expend surface-to-air missiles and obtain information on air defense systems.