Russia downs 22 Ukrainian drones over six regions in overnight operation

Russian air defense forces successfully shot down 22 drones over six regions of Russia overnight, according to a report from the Russian Ministry of Defence on its Telegram channel. 

"Ten UAVs were destroyed over Bryansk region, four UAVs were shot down over Orlov and Rostov regions, two over Belgorod region, and one over Volgograd and Lipetsk regions," Caliber.Az quotes the ministry as saying in the update.

In a related development, the ministry also reported that 72 Ukrainian drone attacks were thwarted in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region during the New Year’s holiday period. The 72 UAVs were successfully shot down over Donetsk and Makeyevka, the ministry added.

The attacks were reportedly aimed at strategic infrastructure, with one key target being a critical substation supplying electricity to industrial areas. Russian authorities stated that Ukrainian forces launched a fixed-wing drone carrying over 15 kilograms of explosives, allegedly targeting a civilian infrastructure facility. 

By Vugar Khalilov