Russia says 127 Ukrainian drones downed overnight across several regions

Russia's defence ministry claims its air defences intercepted and destroyed 127 Ukrainian drones overnight in what appears to be one of the largest reported drone incursions to date.

The Russian Ministry of Defence said the drones were downed between 20:00 Moscow time on May 20 and 04:05 on May 21 (18:00–02:05 BST), Caliber.Az reports.

The majority of the drones—aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles—were reportedly shot down over the western regions of Bryansk (41 drones), Oryol (37), and Kursk (31).

Additional drones were said to have been intercepted over the Moscow region (6), Vladimir (5), Ryazan (3), and one each over Belgorod, Tula, Kaluga, and above the Black Sea.

Meanwhile, following a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia launched over 100 drones into Ukraine, marking another aggressive escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine’s Air Force reported neutralizing 93 of the 108 UAVs through direct engagement and jamming measures during the overnight assault, which targeted four regions.

A Russian Iskander missile struck a Ukrainian military camp in Sumy moments after troops arrived—allegedly killing 70 personnel.

By Aghakazim Guliyev