Moscow, March 15 (NationPress) Russian air defense systems successfully intercepted and shot down a total of 170 Ukrainian drones overnight, with 27 drones specifically targeting Moscow, as reported by Russian authorities on Sunday.

From the evening of Saturday to the early hours of Sunday, the air defense systems effectively neutralized the drones across various Russian territories, according to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry.

In a message shared on social media, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that 27 drones were directed towards Moscow.

As a precautionary measure, temporary restrictions were implemented on the takeoffs and landings at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport and Kaluga Airport located in the Kaluga region, as stated by Rosaviatsia, Russia's civil aviation authority.

These measures were deemed essential for maintaining flight safety, according to Rosaviatsia.

In parallel, Russian military operations targeted energy and transport infrastructures utilized by Ukrainian forces, including facilities involved in the training and launch of long-range drones, as well as temporary bases for Ukrainian armed units and foreign mercenaries, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on Saturday that Russia had launched approximately 430 drones and several ballistic missiles towards Ukraine, emphasizing the critical need for an advanced air defense system as a "daily necessity" for the nation.

Zelensky called for expedited agreements on missile supplies and urged the acceleration of air defense missile production.

He expressed concern in a post on X, stating, "Russians launched around 430 drones of various types and a considerable number of missiles. Among these were 13 ballistic missiles, with the total missile count reaching 68. Preliminary reports indicate that our air defense system intercepted 58 of them."

The post highlighted the ongoing threat posed by such strikes, stating, "Every instance of Russian attacks serves as a reminder to our allies that air defenses and the missiles to support them are essentially a daily requirement. All agreements on missile supplies should be prioritized for rapid implementation. Enhancing the production of air defense missiles is a crucial focus that demands full attention. Russia may attempt to leverage the conflict in the Middle East to inflict greater damage in Europe, particularly in Ukraine. Thus, we must remain acutely aware of the actual level of threat and prepare accordingly; Europe must enhance the production of air defense missiles, particularly those capable of countering ballistic threats, as well as all necessary systems to protect lives effectively, regardless of global circumstances. Europe possesses the ability to provide this level of dependable protection. My gratitude goes to all who are contributing to this cause!"