Russian air defence destroy 23 Ukrainian drones in overnight strikes

During the past night, air defence systems destroyed eight Ukrainian drones over the Kaluga region.

Seven drones were downed over the Kursk region, five over Bryansk, and three over Belgorod regions, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Meanwhile, as of November 21, Russia’s air defence systems have successfully intercepted two Storm Shadow cruise missiles launched by Ukraine, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence. The British-made missiles were downed as part of ongoing efforts to defend Russian territory.

The Ministry also reported the destruction of six US-made HIMARS rocket projectiles and 67 drones. Moscow warned that using Western-made missiles to target deep into Russian territory would significantly escalate the conflict. Kyiv, however, maintains that such strikes are necessary to target Russian rear bases supporting the invasion.

Pro-Russian sources claimed that Ukraine launched up to 12 Storm Shadows at the Kursk region, sharing images of missile debris. Videos circulating on Telegram depicted explosions and the sound of incoming missiles in the area.

In response, a spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined to comment on the matter, but the UK had previously authorised Ukraine to use Storm Shadows within its own borders.

Kyiv has also gained approval from US President Joe Biden to use the ATACMS missile system, which has a longer range, amid growing calls for more potent weapons.

By Aghakazim Guliyev