Media: Russia intercepts over 63,900 Ukrainian drones in first half of 2026

Russian air defence systems intercepted at least 63,933 Ukrainian drones during the first six months of 2026, the Defence Ministry has stated.

It said nearly half of all drones were shot down in May and June, when Russian forces intercepted 14,195 and 17,832 drones, respectively, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

In January and February, the monthly number of intercepted drones did not exceed 6,000.

According to the report, the highest daily total was recorded on May 17, when Russian air defences reportedly shot down 1,054 drones.

Other days with the largest numbers of intercepted drones included June 18 (992), June 30 (927), June 6 (911) and May 23 (800).

Earlier, the Kommersant newspaper reported that Russia's Belgorod, Kursk and Bryansk regions were the areas most frequently targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks in 2026.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov