Russian defense ministry: 89 Ukrainian drones shot down over Russian regions in the skies during 6 hours

Russian defense ministry: 89 Ukrainian drones shot down over Russian regions in the skies during 6 hours

Russian Air Defense Systems Intercept 89 Ukrainian Drones in 12-Hour Period, Reflecting Escalated Cross-Border Drone Warfare

The Russian Defense Ministry reported the interception of 89 Ukrainian drones over six Russian regions and adjacent waters during a 12-hour period spanning January 12–13, 2026, underscoring the intensifying use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in cross-border military operations. The drones were shot down in two distinct waves: 78 between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on January 12, and 11 between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on January 13.

The majority of the drones were neutralized over Crimea (36 in the first wave, one in the second) and Rostov Region (seven in the second wave), with additional interceptions in Oryol, Lipetsk, Tula, Bryansk, and Belgorod Regions. Six drones were also shot down over the Sea of Azov and Black Sea, highlighting the expansion of hostilities into maritime zones.

Ukraine’s Air Force separately confirmed intercepting one Russian ballistic missile and 89 drones during the same period, though it reported 24 successful strikes by Russian UAVs on Ukrainian targets.

The sustained drone campaigns reflect a shift toward asymmetric warfare, with both sides leveraging cost-effective aerial assets to target infrastructure and military facilities. For Russia, the reported scale of drone interceptions—particularly the use of advanced air defense systems—signals ongoing investment in counter-drone technologies. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s ability to launch long-range drone strikes into Russian territory, such as the reported attack on a key industrial site, underscores the financial and logistical challenges of sustaining prolonged military operations.

Analysts note that the increased reliance on drones could influence defense spending trends in both nations, as well as broader European markets, where defense contractors are adapting to evolving battlefield demands. However, the economic impact remains contingent on the duration and geographic scope of the conflict.

Russian Defense Ministry drone interception report
Detailed breakdown of drone activity by region
Additional context on maritime and regional drone engagements
Ukrainian Air Force confirmation of defensive operations
Reported Ukrainian strike on Russian industrial infrastructure