Russia, Ukraine report mass drone attacks in overnight strikes

Russia and Ukraine reported large-scale overnight aerial attacks on July 24, with both sides releasing official data on interceptions and strikes amid ongoing hostilities.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 571 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones overnight. According to the ministry, the drones were neutralized across multiple regions, including Belgorod, Bryansk, Vladimir, Kaluga, Kursk, Leningrad, Novgorod, Oryol, Pskov, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tver and Tula, as well as the Moscow region and Krasnodar Territory. Interceptions were also reported over the Azov and Black Seas.

Ukraine, meanwhile, said Russia launched five Kh-59/69 guided air-launched missiles from airspace over the Black Sea, along with 180 strike drones overnight. The drones included Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas and Parodiya-type decoy unmanned aerial vehicles.

According to preliminary Ukrainian data, air defence systems shot down or suppressed four of the five guided missiles and 160 drones.

Ukrainian authorities reported that one guided missile struck a target, while 14 attack drones hit nine separate locations. Debris from intercepted drones was reported at eight additional sites.

“The attack continues; several Russian UAVs remain in the airspace. Follow safety rules!” the Ukrainian armed forces said.

By Tamilla Hasanova