KYIV, Ukraine — Russian air defense systems successfully intercepted over 100 Ukrainian drones on Sunday across several western regions, according to statements from Moscow officials. Concurrently, a ballistic missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih resulted in injuries to 17 individuals, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that 110 drones were taken down during the overnight incident, which impacted seven different Russian regions. The Kursk border area was particularly targeted, where around 43 drones were reportedly neutralized.
Footage shared on social media seemed to capture air defense operations in Dzerzhinsk, located in the Nizhny Novgorod region, near a facility known for manufacturing explosives. Local Governor Gleb Nikitin indicated that four military personnel suffered injuries while defending the industrial sector of Dzerzhinsk from a drone assault, although further specifics were not provided.
Despite the magnitude of this airstrike, such extensive attacks on Russian soil have been uncommon throughout the 2.5 years since the onset of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. For instance, a similar drone engagement was reported at the end of September, wherein the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the destruction of 125 drones across seven regions.
On the Ukrainian side, the situation was no less grim, as 17 people were reported injured in Kryvyi Rih after two Russian ballistic missiles struck the city late Saturday. Local administrative leader Oleksandr Vilkul noted that the attack caused significant damage to residential buildings and businesses.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to social media, stating that in just the past week, Russia had unleashed approximately 800 guided aerial bombs and over 500 attack drones on Ukraine. “Daily, Russia assaults our cities and communities. This is an intentional act of terror against our citizenry,” he declared, reaffirming his pleas for ongoing air defense assistance from allied nations.
“Only through unity in defense can the world counter this targeted terrorism,” Zelenskyy asserted, emphasizing the urgent need for collective international support in facing the challenging circumstances.
