Russia’s defence ministry said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 397 Ukrainian drones overnight over 15 Russian regions and the Sea of Azov, in one of the largest such claims Moscow has made in recent months.
The ministry said the drones were the type used for attack missions and were destroyed over several regions, including Krasnodar, Crimea and areas along the Sea of Azov.
Regions targeted by the drones
According to the Russian statement, the drones were downed over Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, Lipetsk, Oryol, Penza, Rostov, Ryazan, Samara, Tula and Tambov regions, as well as Krasnodar territory, Crimea and the Sea of Azov.
The announcement reflects the scale of the ongoing drone war between Moscow and Kyiv, with Ukraine continuing to target infrastructure deep inside Russia.
Ukraine says it struck two Russian refineries
In response, Ukraine’s armed forces general staff said its units had struck the Russian oil refineries at Ilskiy and Syzran overnight.
The Ukrainian military said the attack hit the Ilskiy refinery in Krasnodar region, where a fire was seen, and the Syzran refinery in Samara region, where damage and a fire were also reported.
Energy infrastructure remains a key target
Russia has not yet issued an official comment on the refinery strikes. Ukraine has for months been carrying out attacks on Russian oil facilities as part of a broader campaign aimed at weakening Moscow’s energy sector.
Refineries have become a major target in Ukraine’s strategy, alongside other logistical and military sites inside Russia.
Three killed near Kyiv in Russian strikes
Meanwhile, Ukraine said three people, including a child, were killed in Russian strikes near the capital Kyiv.
Kyiv regional military chief Tymur Tkachenko said the attacks hit three locations in the Borispil area close to the capital, leaving three dead and three others injured.
Fires and explosions reported in Kyiv
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said fires broke out in two districts of the capital after an air raid alert was triggered, while several waves of powerful explosions were heard in parts of central Kyiv.
The capital and surrounding areas have faced intensified Russian attacks in recent days, as Ukraine’s air defences struggle with a shortage of interceptor missiles.
Ukraine calls for more air defence missiles
President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly urged Ukraine’s supporters, especially the United States, to step up deliveries of interceptor missiles to reinforce the country’s air defence systems.
Ukrainian officials say the continued Russian bombardment of cities and infrastructure is putting growing pressure on their defensive capacity, especially around Kyiv.
Conclusion:
The latest developments highlight the widening air war between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow claiming to have intercepted and destroyed 397 Ukrainian drones while Kyiv continues to strike Russian energy facilities and Russian attacks kill civilians near the capital.
