Russian Defence Ministry: Air-defence forces shot down 185 Ukrainian drones within 12 hours

Russian air defense forces reportedly intercepted and destroyed 185 Ukrainian drones within a 12-hour period, according to the Defense Ministry interception claim. The drone strikes targeted multiple regions, including the border Bryansk region, where one person was killed and another injured. In the Leningrad region, approximately 60 drones were shot down during an overnight attack that affected three districts and caused damage to infrastructure. The Ministry also reported that over 350 drones were downed across various regions, including areas near Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novgorod.

In the Samara region, several industrial enterprises were damaged in a drone attack, with three people injured. Additionally, fires broke out at two infrastructure facilities in the Vladimir region following drone strikes. Ukraine has claimed responsibility for targeting key industrial sites, including the VNIIR-Progress plant, which it alleges produces components for Russian drones.

The attacks occurred amid the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, drawing global business leaders. The escalation in cross-border strikes has raised concerns about the potential economic impact on both nations, particularly in sectors tied to infrastructure and energy.