Russian forces shoot down over 70 Ukrainian drones overnight

Russian air defence systems destroyed and intercepted 71 Ukrainian drones across six Russian regions on the night of April 16 to 17.

"Over the past night, air defense systems on duty destroyed and intercepted 71 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles: 49 UAVs over the territory of Kursk region, 7 each over the territories of Oryol and Ryazan regions, 4 over Bryansk region, 3 over Vladimir region, and 1 over Tula region," the ministry stated, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Russian Ministry of Defence.

Drones have been used throughout the war by both sides for reconnaissance and direct strikes. However, Ukraine has increasingly relied on drones to target critical infrastructure, such as airfields, ammunition depots, radar systems, and even naval vessels. Ukrainian forces, bolstered by a growing arsenal of locally produced and Western-supplied drones, have exploited this relatively low-cost, high-impact tactic to disrupt Russia’s military operations and logistics.

In addition to attacking Russian military positions in occupied Ukrainian territories, Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian territory itself. These attacks are aimed at diminishing Russia's military capacity, morale, and the strategic stability of key cities and facilities. In recent months, Ukraine has launched multiple drone strikes deep within Russia, including targeting airports, fuel storage facilities, and logistical hubs in cities such as Moscow, Belgorod, and Kursk.

By Khagan Isayev