Russia claims 77 Ukrainian drones destroyed in nighttime raid

Russia’s air defence forces intercepted and destroyed a total of 77 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones during an overnight attack, according to a statement issued by the Russian Ministry of Defence on February 21.

The ministry said the largest number of unmanned aerial vehicles — 24 — was downed over Krasnodar Krai. Another 13 drones were intercepted over Crimea.

Air defences also destroyed nine drones each over Kursk Oblast and Rostov Oblast, while eight UAVs were shot down over Belgorod Oblast.

According to the statement, five drones were intercepted above Samara Oblast, and four more were destroyed over the waters of the Sea of Azov. Russian forces also reported downing three UAVs over Saratov Oblast, as well as one drone each over Volgograd Oblast and Voronezh Oblast.

No additional details were provided regarding damage or casualties.

By Tamilla Hasanova