Russia claims to have repelled largest Ukrainian drone attack

Russian forces say they have shot down 128 Ukrainian drones in what they describe as the most intense drone assault on Russian territory to date.

As many as 83 drones were intercepted over the Krasnodar region, eight over the Sea of Azov, and 35 over the Black Sea, Caliber.Az reports per Russia’s Defence Ministry.

One drone was reportedly downed over each of the Bryansk and Kursk regions.

As of 25 February, marking the third year of the war, over 95,000 Russian military personnel have been confirmed killed since the invasion of Ukraine began, according to an analysis by the BBC. 

This figure does not include casualties from the militias of the self-declared Donbas republics, estimated at between 21,000 and 23,500.

The BBC Russian Service, independent media outlet Mediazona, and volunteer researchers have been documenting fatalities using verified sources such as official reports, newspapers, social media, and war memorials. However, the actual death toll is thought to be significantly higher. Military analysts suggest that the BBC’s records likely account for only 45% to 65% of total Russian losses. Based on these estimates, the true number of Russian military deaths could range between 146,194 and 211,169. Including militia forces, Russian-aligned casualties may stand between 167,194 and 234,669.

The last official Russian casualty report was in September 2022, when Moscow claimed fewer than 6,000 fatalities. Meanwhile, Ukraine last updated its military losses in December 2024, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledging 43,000 deaths, though Western analysts believe this figure to be an underestimate. Independent sources have compiled over 70,400 verified Ukrainian military fatalities, suggesting a more comprehensive casualty record than Russia’s, where such data remains classified.

As the war enters its fourth year, international focus has turned to potential peace talks under the new U.S. administration. In the meantime, reports from Russian military cemeteries and war memorials indicate a continued rise in fatalities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev