Russian Defense Ministry Says It Shot Down 72 Ukrainian Drones in 12 Hours

The Russian Defense Ministry announced today that its air forces intercepted and destroyed 72 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory within a twelve‑hour window, from 08:00 to 20:00 Moscow time.

Operation details

The official statement said the interceptions were carried out using advanced air‑defence systems, including surface‑to‑air missiles and modern radar arrays. All unmanned aerial vehicles were neutralised before reaching any potential targets inside Russia.

The ministry’s spokesperson added that the action was a response to a recent Ukrainian escalation and emphasized that “air‑defence assets operate around the clock to protect coastal and strategic areas from aerial threats.”

Conflict context

Russia‑Ukraine relations have remained tense since the conflict erupted in 2022, with a notable increase in drone usage by Kyiv’s forces. Analysts note that the downing of 72 drones in half a day underscores Russia’s capability to counter a growing wave of aerial attacks.

Ukraine has not yet issued a comment, though previous reports indicate Kyiv has deployed Shahed and Havan‑type drones against Russian infrastructure.

The incident occurs as international actors continue to urge both sides to resume negotiations, while diplomatic efforts aim to prevent further escalation.