Russia’s Defense Ministry reported the interception of nearly 100 Ukrainian drones over various regions of the country overnight on Sunday. This large-scale drone attack comes amidst renewed diplomatic efforts between Moscow and Kyiv. The ministry detailed the downing of 67 drones over Bryansk, Smolensk, and Kaluga regions, with another 30 intercepted in southern Russia, targeting areas including Volgograd, Rostov, Voronezh, Kursk, and the Crimean Peninsula. Additional drones were also reportedly shot down near Moscow and in Nizhny Novgorod, Oryol, and Tambov regions.
Regional authorities reported no casualties or significant damage from the drone attacks, although in Volgograd Region, drone debris did cause damage to a section of overhead electric lines on a railway. Governor Yury Slyusar of Rostov Region and Governor Vasily Anokhin of Smolensk Region both confirmed the incidents but reported no immediate injuries or substantial damage.
These attacks mark a continuation of Ukraine’s frequent drone strikes deep within Russian territory, often targeting residential areas and civilian infrastructure. The Kremlin has consistently condemned these actions as acts of terrorism aimed at civilians. The timing of this latest incident is notable, following recent peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, where progress was made on humanitarian issues such as prisoner exchanges, but no ceasefire was reached.
Despite the ongoing conflict and these aggressive drone attacks, Russia maintains its stance on pursuing diplomatic solutions, emphasizing the need to address what it considers the root causes of the conflict and its security concerns. The situation remains tense, with the continued use of drones highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving a lasting peace.
