Russia says air defences downed 59 Ukrainian drones overnight

Russian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 59 Ukrainian drones overnight, over Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Novgorod and Smolensk regions, the Russian Defence Ministry has stated.

The drones were shot down between 20:00 Moscow time on May 25 and 07:00 on May 26, Caliber.Az reports, citing the ministry.

The ministry said the drones were intercepted over Crimea as well.

Earlier, the Russian government announced plans to carry out “systematic strikes” on military and administrative infrastructure in Kyiv, including decision-making centres and command posts.

The statement said, because the facilities are dispersed across the city, foreign nationals — including diplomatic staff and representatives of international organisations — should leave Kyiv as soon as possible.

It also advised residents of the Ukrainian capital to avoid military and administrative infrastructure sites.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov