Did Russia Really Shoot Down 281 Ukrainian Drones?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 281 Ukrainian drones were shot down in one day.
- Russian air defense systems also neutralized two guided aerial bombs.
- A significant number of UAVs (1,441) were taken down over the past week.
- Kyiv experienced damage to civilian infrastructure due to missile strikes.
- Belgorod residents are at risk of flooding due to dam damage.
Moscow, Oct 25 (NationPress) In a significant development, Russian air defence systems successfully intercepted and shot down 281 Ukrainian drones within the last 24 hours, with nine of these being over the Moscow region, the Russian Defence Ministry reported on Saturday.
The ministry's statement detailed that, alongside the drones, two guided aerial bombs were also neutralized by the air defence systems.
In an earlier announcement, the ministry disclosed that during the previous week, Russian air defence mechanisms had taken down a total of 1,441 Ukrainian UAVs. This included a Ukrainian Su-27 aircraft, four cruise missiles, 18 guided aerial bombs, and 15 projectiles from the US-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system.
On the other hand, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia had launched 62 drones and nine missiles in an overnight offensive targeting Ukraine, where air defence units managed to shoot down 50 drones and four missiles.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko noted that ballistic missiles were aimed at the city.
This assault resulted in fires across various locations, shattered windows in residential buildings, and caused damage to a kindergarten in the eastern area of the city, according to Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the Kyiv City Military Administration.
In a related incident, a strike by Ukrainian forces has reportedly damaged a dam on a local reservoir in Belgorod, Russia. Local governor Vyacheslav Gladkov warned on social media that there is a possibility of further strikes aimed at destroying the dam. Such an event could lead to flooding risks affecting approximately 1,000 residents in the river floodplain and nearby streets.
He added that the regional government is initiating measures to provide temporary shelter to residents facing flooding risks with no alternative options.
On Friday, Gladkov mentioned that Belgorod faced an attack involving 47 drones, with 35 being successfully intercepted. This incident resulted in injuries to nine civilians, including a 12-year-old boy.