KYIV, Ukraine — On Saturday night, intense drone exchanges occurred between Russia and Ukraine, with both nations reporting the presence of over 100 enemy drones within their airspace. This development surfaced shortly after a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to deliberate on a proposed 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
In southern Russia, Volgograd regional Governor, Andrei Bocharov, reported that drone debris ignited a fire within the Krasnoarmeysky district, in proximity to a Lukoil oil refinery. Although specific details were sparse, regional news outlets mentioned temporary airspace closures affecting nearby airports. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries.
The Volgograd refinery has been a repeated target for forces from Kyiv following Moscow’s extensive incursion into Ukraine more than three years ago. The latest assault prior to this happened on February 15th, involving drone tactics.
According to statements from Russia’s Defense Ministry, 126 Ukrainian drones were intercepted, with 64 specifically neutralized over the Volgograd region. Additional drones were dismantled over various other areas including Voronezh, Belgorod, Bryansk, Rostov, and Kursk regions.
Simultaneously, reports from Ukraine’s air force indicated that Russia launched an onslaught of 178 drones over the nation within the same timeframe. Among these were Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones aimed at disrupting air defense systems. Ukrainian defenses managed to down approximately 130 drones, with 38 others failing to reach their intended targets.
