According to Russia’s defence ministry, the drones targeted multiple regions across the country. Most were intercepted over Bryansk and Smolensk.
In the Leningrad region, authorities reported downing 28 drones. The strike caused a fire at the Port of Primorsk, a vital Baltic Sea terminal for oil exports and trade shipments. A vessel was also damaged in the incident.
No casualties were reported. However, falling debris was found in several areas, raising fears among local residents. Officials called the overnight operation a “major escalation.” They said Ukraine’s use of drones placed heavy pressure on Russia’s air-defence systems.
Additional drones were intercepted in Kaluga, Novgorod, and near Moscow. Regional governors confirmed the incidents but assured residents that the situation was under control. Leningrad’s governor, Aleksandr Drozdenko, said the port fire was quickly contained. He emphasized that securing key infrastructure and airspace remains a top priority.
Analysts say Ukraine has stepped up its use of drones in recent months. The strategy aims to strike deep inside Russian territory and weaken its supply chains. Drones have also been used to test air-defence responses and expose vulnerabilities.
Moscow insists its defence systems performed well and prevented greater damage. Russian officials accused Ukraine of risking regional stability by escalating drone warfare. The timing of the strike has raised additional concerns. It came just before joint military drills between Russia and Belarus. Moscow said the coincidence underscores the security challenges it faces along its western borders.
Earlier this week, Poland accused Russia of violating its airspace with drones. Moscow rejected the claim, calling it false and politically motivated. The incident has further strained relations between Russia and NATO members.
International reaction to the overnight strike has been cautious. Some governments urged both sides to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict. Others warned that continued cross-border attacks may increase the risk of miscalculation.
Ukraine has not issued a detailed statement on the drone assault. Kyiv rarely confirms such operations. Officials often describe strikes inside Russia as part of a broader strategy to weaken Moscow’s war capabilities .Military experts say large-scale drone attacks are becoming a defining feature of the conflict. They are cheaper to deploy than missiles and can be launched in swarms. This makes them harder to intercept, even with advanced defence systems.
Communities in Russia’s border regions remain concerned about falling debris. Authorities have warned residents to stay alert and report any suspicious objects. Local emergency services have been placed on standby to respond to fires or explosions caused by wreckage.
The Port of Primorsk incident highlights the risks to critical energy infrastructure. As one of the main outlets for Russian oil exports, any disruption there could affect trade routes and global markets.
Russia said its forces are adapting to Ukraine’s drone tactics. Officials claim new countermeasures are being deployed to improve detection and interception rates. Despite these reassurances, security analysts warn that constant drone attacks are eroding public confidence. Many residents fear that future strikes could cause greater damage or civilian casualties.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine shows no signs of slowing down. Drone warfare is expected to play an even greater role as both sides look for ways to gain an advantage. The overnight strike is one of the largest reported since May. It underscores the growing scale of Ukraine’s campaign and the mounting challenges facing Russia’s defences.
For now, Moscow says its systems held firm. But with hundreds of drones launched in a single night, the pressure on its airspace security is only increasing.
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