Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that its air defense systems intercepted 120 Ukrainian drones overnight, with most incidents occurring in regions bordering Ukraine. The large-scale drone assault marks a continued escalation in Ukraine’s long-range attacks deep inside Russian territory, over three years into the war.
According to the statement released Sunday, 30 drones were downed over the Bryansk region, 29 in Kursk, and 17 in Belgorod—regions that all share a border with Ukraine and have been frequent targets of aerial attacks. An additional 18 drones were shot down in the Oryol region, which borders Kursk and has previously been targeted, particularly for its oil infrastructure.
Despite the scale of the attack, Russian authorities reported no damage or casualties. The rapid response was part of ongoing efforts by Moscow to neutralize what it describes as Ukraine’s growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to strike military and infrastructure targets within Russian borders.
Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya, also noted that temporary air traffic restrictions were imposed overnight in several major cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaluga, and Nizhny Novgorod, as a safety precaution during the drone interceptions. These restrictions have since been lifted, restoring normal operations at affected airports.
Ukraine has intensified its drone campaign in recent months, leveraging low-cost UAVs to carry out strategic strikes beyond front-line zones. The growing frequency and range of these drone attacks underscore Kyiv’s evolving tactics as it seeks to disrupt Russian logistics and pressure domestic morale.
As drone warfare becomes a key feature of the conflict, both sides are investing heavily in counter-drone systems, signaling a technological arms race that could redefine modern military engagements in the region.