Russia’s Defense Ministry announced early Tuesday that its air defense systems intercepted 55 Ukrainian drones across six regions overnight. Falling debris from one of the drones reportedly caused a fire at an oil depot near the border with Ukraine.
“Air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 55 Ukrainian drones,” the ministry said in a statement.
In the Voronezh region, six drones were shot down. Governor Alexander Gusev reported that debris from one of them sparked a new fire at a fuel depot, the same site that experienced a blaze under similar circumstances six days earlier.
“No injuries have been reported,” Gusev stated, adding that emergency responders were working to contain the fire and ensure the safety of nearby residents.
The Ukrainian military later claimed responsibility for the attack on the oil depot in Voronezh, saying the facility stored fuel and lubricants used to supply Russian troops.
The Defense Ministry reported that:
– **22 drones** were intercepted over the western Bryansk region.
– **12 drones** were shot down in the southern Rostov region.
– **10 drones** were intercepted over the Smolensk region, near the Belarusian border.
An unverified video shared on social media showed what appeared to be a residential building in the Smolensk region engulfed in flames, allegedly after being struck by a Ukrainian drone. However, Smolensk Governor Vasily Anokhin dismissed the video as “fake,” accusing its distributors of attempting to create panic and destabilize the region.
Anonymous Telegram channels speculated that the drones in Smolensk were targeting an aviation plant in the area.
Additionally, four drones were reportedly downed in the Saratov region, which hosts a Russian air force base and has seen an increase in drone activity in recent months. One more drone was intercepted in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces remain active after a surprise border incursion in August.
The recent wave of drone attacks reflects the ongoing escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian forces continue to target Russian infrastructure, including key supply depots and military sites.
While Russian authorities have sought to downplay the impact of these attacks, the increased frequency and scale of drone incursions indicate a growing challenge for the Russian military as it works to secure its borders and maintain control over contested regions.
themoscowtimes.com
