Kiev’s UAVs were intercepted over several regions, according to the Russian Defense Ministry
Nearly 100 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in Russian airspace overnight, the country’s Defense Ministry reported on Sunday. The large-scale raid comes as Kiev continues to escalate its use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) despite renewed diplomatic contacts with Moscow.
According to the ministry, 67 drones were shot down over Bryansk, Smolensk, and Kaluga regions. Another 30 UAVs were intercepted in the south of Russia, targeting Volgograd, Rostov, Voronezh, and Kursk regions, as well as the Crimean Peninsula. Several others were downed near Moscow and within Nizhny Novgorod, Oryol, and Tambov regions.
Regional authorities have reported no casualties or significant damage. Acting Governor of Rostov Region Yury Slyusar confirmed there were no injuries. Smolensk Governor Vasily Anokhin acknowledged the raid but said there was no immediate information about damage or victims.
In Volgograd Region, drone debris damaged a section of overhead electric lines on the railway in Oktyabrsky District, according to local officials.
Ukraine has carried out repeated UAV strikes deep into Russian territory for several months, often striking residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure. The Kremlin has condemned the attacks as “terrorist actions” that deliberately target civilians.
The latest incident follows a new round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, which was held in Istanbul earlier this week. While no ceasefire was reached, the two sides made progress on humanitarian issues, including agreements on the exchange of prisoners of war and civilians.
Russia has reiterated its openness to a diplomatic solution, but insists any deal must address what it describes as the root causes of the conflict and its long-standing security concerns.
