MOSCOW (BN24) — Russia’s Defense Ministry said Sunday that its air defense systems shot down 291 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones in a sweeping overnight operation, as Moscow intensifies efforts to thwart aerial attacks amid the ongoing war with Kyiv.
In a statement posted to its official Telegram channel, the ministry reported that, in addition to the drones, air defense forces intercepted two guided aircraft bombs and three rockets launched from Czech-made Vampire multiple launch systems.
The announcement comes as Russian forces continue to escalate their aerial campaign against what the Kremlin says are Ukrainian drone production and command facilities. The ministry added that Russian warplanes and drones struck “production sites and control centers” inside Ukraine, though it did not specify locations or provide casualty details.
The reported mass drone interception marks one of the highest numbers of downed aerial vehicles claimed by Russia in a single day since the war began in February 2022. Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range drone strikes and sabotage missions to push back against Russian advances, targeting military infrastructure deep inside Russian-held territory.
The scale of Russia’s air defense response underscores growing concern in Moscow over the evolving role of Ukrainian drones in the conflict. Kyiv has not commented on the reported drone losses or the airstrikes claimed by Moscow.
