Russian forces shot down 162 Ukrainian drones overnight

Russian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 162 Ukrainian aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles overnight, the country’s Defence Ministry stated. 

The ministry stated that between 08:10 p.m. (Moscow time) on June 1 and 02:00 a.m. on June 2, air defence forces intercepted the drones across various regions of Russia, Caliber.Az reports. 

The majority of the drones — 57 in total — were intercepted over the Kursk region, which experienced the heaviest barrage.

Other regions affected included Belgorod with 31 UAVs, Lipetsk with 27, and Voronezh with 16. Smaller-scale drone activity was reported over Bryansk and Ryazan oblasts, with 11 UAVs each, while six drones were destroyed over the Orel region.

Additionally, two UAVs were intercepted over Crimea, and one drone was reported over the Tambov region.

Russian authorities have not released full details on the extent of damage or casualties, though local officials in several regions noted successful air defense operations and ongoing assessments of infrastructure impacts.

By Sabina Mammadli