In a dramatic overnight operation, Russian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 144 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeting nine regions, including the capital, Moscow, according to a statement from the Russian Defence Ministry on Tuesday.
The ministry described the drone swarm as a “large-scale attempt” by the Ukrainian military to launch an assault on critical Russian infrastructure. However, the air defence systems effectively neutralized the threat, ensuring no significant damage. Local media quoted the ministry stating that 144 fixed-wing UAVs were destroyed across various regions.
A detailed breakdown of the interceptions revealed that 72 drones were taken down over the Bryansk region, 20 over Moscow, 14 in Kursk, 13 in Tula, 8 in Belgorod, 7 in Kaluga, 5 in Voronezh, 4 in Lipetsk, and 1 in the Oryol region, according to reports by Xinhua, referencing Russia’s TASS news agency.
Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz confirmed that despite the massive assault, no casualties or structural damage were reported in his region. He lauded the air defence forces for their swift and efficient response.
Similarly, Voronezh Governor Alexander Gusev assured the public that there were no casualties or damage reported in his region, despite the intensity of the attack.
Earlier in the day, Bogomaz had posted on his Telegram channel, reporting that 59 enemy drones had been intercepted and destroyed over Bryansk alone. He reiterated that emergency services were on-site, and no civilian casualties or damage had occurred.
This is not the first time Russian air defences have been tested on such a large scale. Earlier this month, the country’s forces intercepted and destroyed 158 Ukrainian drones in a similar widespread operation. Nine of those targeted Moscow and its surrounding region, while other drones were shot down over Kursk, Bryansk, Voronezh, and Belgorod, among other regions. The attack had caused minor fires at a Moscow refinery and a power plant in the Tver region, but no casualties were reported.
