Russia’s Defense Ministry has reported that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 122 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during the night, in what it described as one of the largest drone attacks in recent months.

Regions targeted

According to the Ministry, thirteen Russian regions were targeted in the overnight operation. The majority of drones were intercepted over Bryansk, Voronezh, Crimea, and Kursk, areas that have frequently been on the frontline of aerial strikes.

Rising cross-border tensions

The latest announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions. Earlier this week, the Polish military confirmed it had downed Russian drones that “repeatedly violated Polish airspace” during Moscow’s strikes on Ukraine’s western regions.

Broader escalation

The surge in UAV activity reflects the intensifying use of drones in the ongoing conflict, with both Moscow and Kyiv relying heavily on UAVs for reconnaissance and targeted strikes. The incident underscores growing concerns about spillover risks, particularly in NATO countries bordering Ukraine.