Russia says 147 drones downed in overnight attacks

Russian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 147 drones overnight across multiple regions, Russian media reported, referring to the country’s Defence Ministry.

The ministry said the interceptions took place between 23:00 Moscow time on April 1 and 07:00 on April 2, with drones downed over 11 regions, including Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kaluga, Kursk, Smolensk, and Tula, as well as Krasnodar Territory, Adygea, Bashkortostan, and Crimea. Additional interceptions were reported over the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

In Bashkortostan, regional head Radiy Khabirov said several drones were shot down as they approached oil refineries in Ufa. Debris from one drone fell in an industrial area, sparking a fire, while several residential apartments were damaged. No casualties were reported.

Authorities in the Tula region said three drones were intercepted without casualties or damage on the ground. Officials in other affected regions have not yet issued statements regarding the overnight attacks.

By Tamilla Hasanova