Russia's defence ministry announced on Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 339 Ukrainian drones over a 13-hour period, marking one of the largest reported drone attacks in recent months. The interceptions occurred across several Russian regions, including areas around Moscow, according to a Reuters report.
Drone warfare intensifies
The reported attacks come as both Russia and Ukraine continue to rely heavily on drone warfare, targeting military infrastructure and strategic locations far from the front lines. In a statement posted on Telegram, the Defence Ministry said the drones were downed on Friday. The ministry listed 13 regions where air defence units were active, along with areas over the Black Sea.
Geographic spread of drone activity
The affected regions included several parts of central Russia as well as the northwestern regions of Leningrad and Pskov, indicating the broad geographic spread of the reported drone activity. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin issued a series of updates throughout the day.
Civilian air traffic disrupted
The drone activity also disrupted civilian air traffic. Russia's civil aviation authority announced temporary flight suspensions at several airports during the day as a precautionary measure. Russian news agencies reported that authorities issued four separate suspension orders affecting airports in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, underscoring the broader impact of the security measures triggered by the reported drone attacks.
Ukraine remains under attack
Russian attacks continued to cause casualties across the country. Zaporizhzhia regional governor Ivan Fedorov said the bodies of two men who had been missing following a Russian attack were recovered on Saturday. On Thursday, Ukrainian authorities reported that at least 12 people were killed and dozens injured in Russian strikes across the country.
Zelenskyy calls for end to conflict
Amid the escalating attacks, Zelenskyy renewed calls for an end to the conflict, saying Russia must stop its military campaign against Ukraine. 'Russia must end its war and stop its attacks on life. Any manifestation of injustice against Ukraine will receive a just response. It is time to end this war,' he said. However, Putin dismissed the proposal for direct talks after Zelenskyy reportedly sent an open letter to him.
