Russia Reports Downing of 126 Ukrainian Drones
On Saturday, Russian officials announced that they had intercepted 126 Ukrainian drones overnight, primarily focusing on regions in southern Russia, particularly Volgograd and Voronezh. This significant development follows Moscow’s outright rejection of an immediate ceasefire proposal extended by the United States, intensifying the ongoing conflict.
President Vladimir Putin conveyed his stance earlier this week, indicating his support for a truce with Ukraine, albeit with notable reservations. He expressed a desire to discuss these concerns directly with US President Donald Trump, highlighting the complexities underlying any potential peace agreement.
Defense Ministry Details Drone Interceptions
The Russian defense ministry provided additional details, revealing that out of the 126 drones intercepted, 64 were brought down over Volgograd and the nearby Voronezh region. The remainder of the drones targeted various border areas, showcasing Ukraine’s ongoing strategy of conducting drone operations into Russian territory.
This uptick in drone activity is not unprecedented. Throughout the course of the conflict, which reignited in 2022, Ukrainian forces have consistently launched drone strikes aimed at Russia. Just on Monday, Ukraine launched its largest drone attack against the Moscow region since the start of hostilities, underscoring the escalating nature of the conflict.