Russia Shoots Down 456 Ukrainian Drones Amid US Intelligence Support

The Russian Defence Ministry announced that its air‑defence systems intercepted and destroyed 456 Ukrainian drones during the previous night, marking a notable escalation on the frontier. The statement also quoted the exact wording of the official report. Ukrainian forces continue to strike residential areas and critical infrastructure such as power plants and heavy‑industry factories, using precision drones and short‑range missiles. In response, Russia carries out selective strikes on Ukrainian military bases and defence‑industry facilities with precision‑guided weapons launched from air, sea and land. A Russian deputy foreign minister stressed that Moscow has not held any formal talks with Berlin about Ukraine on Azerbaijani territory, highlighting the diplomatic complexity. According to Atlantic magazine, the United States, through CIA Director John Ratcliffe, is supplying Kyiv with advanced intelligence on Russian energy sites, enabling pinpoint attacks. This reflects Washington’s strategy to weaken Russia’s economy while avoiding direct military involvement. As the conflict persists, the risk of a broader regional escalation remains, especially with external logistical and intelligence support. The reported numbers and the disclosed US assistance underline the intricate security environment and the need for a comprehensive political dialogue involving all stakeholders.