Russia intercepted 120 Ukrainian drones overnight in one of the largest air defence operations since the war began.
Russia’s Defence Ministry on Sunday reported successfully shooting down 120 Ukrainian drones during a large-scale aerial incursion overnight, marking one of the biggest single-day drone interceptions since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.
The statement revealed that most of the drones were intercepted near the Ukrainian border. Bryansk region saw 30 drones destroyed, Kursk had 29, and Belgorod recorded 17. All three areas have frequently come under Ukrainian drone attacks, making them key targets for Russian defence systems.
The Oryol region, which lies adjacent to Kursk, also saw 18 drones intercepted. Oryol has previously been targeted by Ukrainian forces, especially for its energy infrastructure and oil storage facilities.
Despite the scale of the overnight operation, the Defense Ministry confirmed there were no reported injuries or structural damage. Officials attributed the success to the efficiency of Russia’s modernised air defence systems, which have been strengthened in response to Ukraine’s growing drone capabilities.
Russia’s aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya, briefly halted flights in cities including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaluga, and Nizhny Novgorod as a safety measure. Normal operations resumed Sunday morning once the threat had passed.
With the war now stretching into its fourth year, Ukraine has leaned heavily on drone warfare to strike at Russian military assets and disrupt supply chains deep inside enemy territory. Analysts say these strikes are part of a broader plan to strain Russia’s defences and weaken its logistical backbone.
As the conflict evolves, drone attacks like these are likely to remain a central part of Kyiv’s tactical playbook while Russia continues to ramp up countermeasures.
