Russia’s Defence Ministry reported on Friday that its air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed 121 Ukrainian drones targeting 13 regions, including Moscow. The large-scale attack, which reportedly caused no casualties or damage according to the ministry, underscores escalating hostilities between the two nations.
Russian Response
Six drones were shot down over the Moscow region, with one intercepted directly over the capital. Other targeted regions included Kursk, where Ukrainian troops maintain a presence, and Ryazan, where an oil storage depot and power station were allegedly struck.
Unverified videos on Telegram showed large fires in Ryazan, and local authorities confirmed emergency services were managing the aftermath. In Bryansk, a drone attack on the Kremniy plant reportedly led to a suspension of work, although no injuries were reported.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said drones were intercepted at multiple locations around the capital, including Kolomna, Ramenskoye, Podolsk, and Troitsky. Despite reports of falling fragments, no casualties or significant damage occurred. Two major airports, Vnukovo and Domodedovo, temporarily suspended operations, redirecting six flights.
Ukraine’s Counterattack
Ukraine’s air force claimed it had repelled a simultaneous Russian drone assault, shooting down 25 of 58 drones launched overnight. Debris from the attack killed three people and injured one in the Kyiv region, Ukraine’s Interior Ministry reported.
Ukrainian officials said their counterattacks targeted critical Russian infrastructure. Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s center for countering disinformation, claimed hits on an oil refinery in Ryazan and the Kremniy plant in Bryansk, which Kyiv alleges produces components for Russian weapons.
Escalating Drone Warfare
The overnight drone operations highlight the intensifying use of unmanned aerial systems by both sides, marking a new phase in the conflict. Key regions targeted by Russia include Kursk, where power lines were damaged, and the Russian-annexed Crimean Peninsula. Other affected areas include Bryansk, Belgorod, Saratov, Rostov, Voronezh, Tula, Oryol, and Lipetsk.
Broader Implications
The increasing frequency of drone strikes poses growing risks for both military and civilian infrastructure. While Ukraine continues to target logistical and industrial assets supporting Russia’s war efforts, Moscow’s counterstrikes aim to disrupt Ukrainian operations and sow fear among civilians.
With no immediate signs of de-escalation, drone warfare appears to be an entrenched feature of the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about further escalation and the impact on regional stability.
