In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia’s defense ministry announced that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 155 Ukrainian drones during an overnight operation. The military engagement took place from 11:00 PM on Thursday to 7:00 AM on Friday, with the ministry reporting that 53 drones were shot down over the Kursk region, which lies along the border with Ukraine.
Local officials have reported casualties resulting from these drone attacks. In the western Lipetsk region, Governor Igor Artamonov stated that a drone crash in a farming area resulted in one death and another injury. The incident occurred in the Khlevensky district, approximately 400 kilometers south of Moscow. Artamonov detailed that the crash ignited a fire on the agricultural property, which was swiftly extinguished.
Additionally, in the Tula region, Governor Dmitry Milyaev confirmed that another drone attack led to one fatality and injuries to another individual. These incidents are part of a wider pattern of violence that has intensified recently.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, a Russian strike targeted the city of Chuguiv early Friday, causing significant damage. Mayor Galyna Minaeva reported the destruction of two private homes and damage to a local hospital. Three individuals sustained injuries from this attack.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv city military administration, indicated that conditions in Ukraine remain dire, with at least 28 people, including two minors, wounded by Russian shelling on Thursday alone. This week has seen Moscow conduct some of its largest drone and missile assaults since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, indicating a troubling escalation in military operations on both sides.
