Russia claimed it downed 402 Ukrainian drones and seven guided bombs in a day amid escalating aerial warfare. Both Russia and Ukraine have intensified drone and missile strikes in recent weeks, causing widespread destruction in key regions including Moscow, Kyiv, and Donetsk.
The Russian Defence Ministry on Monday claimed that its air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed 402 Ukrainian drones and seven guided aerial bombs within the last 24 hours.
The Ministry added that 91 drones were destroyed overnight, the majority of which were neutralized in the border regions of Belgorod and Kursk, while eight were taken down over the Moscow region. This marks one of the largest drone interceptions reported by Russia since the onset of the conflict.
This latest escalation comes amid increasing aerial offensives by both sides. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a separate statement on Monday, confirmed that Russia had launched 101 drones overnight, bringing the total to around 1,270 drones and 39 missiles fired over Ukraine in the past week alone.
According to Russian authorities, the rising frequency of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting key regions like Moscow, Belgorod, and Kursk indicates an organized and ongoing aerial campaign. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin had earlier reported that six Ukrainian drones were shot down on July 6, aimed at attacking the capital. Emergency services were deployed to the crash sites to assess the damage and ensure public safety.
Sobyanin acknowledged the repeated attempts of drone strikes on Moscow over the past few months. “Thousands of drones have been launched towards Moscow, but only a few have managed to reach and fall in the city,” he wrote on Telegram.
The Mayor’s remarks underscore the increasing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern warfare. Despite successful interceptions, the debris from downed drones continues to pose a danger to civilian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported significant destruction and loss resulting from Russia’s recent massive aerial assaults. On July 4, Ukraine experienced one of the largest coordinated attacks, with Russia reportedly launching a combined 550 drones and missiles targeting multiple regions.
The Ukrainian Air Force claimed that it successfully intercepted 478 aerial targets, including two advanced Iskander-K cruise missiles. However, 63 drones and nine missiles managed to hit various targets across eight Ukrainian regions, with debris landing at 33 different sites.
Local media and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that critical infrastructure in Kyiv suffered extensive damage. Educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and transport networks were among those hit during the bombardment.
In response, Ukrainian forces also stepped up their drone operations. On July 3, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) confirmed a successful drone strike on ammunition depots in the Russia-controlled Khartsyzk area in Donetsk. The targeted attack ignited fires and triggered explosions in the depots, indicating a strategic hit to Russia’s war logistics.
The back-and-forth drone offensives have become a defining feature of the ongoing war, now in its fourth year. Experts observe that the increasing use of drones reflects a shift in battlefield tactics, as both nations aim to reduce direct troop confrontations while maximizing damage through remote precision strikes.
President Zelensky has raised alarms over Russia’s growing reliance on glide bombs, missiles, and kamikaze drones, especially those targeting civilian zones. He recently stated that, within a single week, Russia launched nearly 1,270 drones, 39 missiles, and nearly 1,000 glide bombs—a level of sustained aerial aggression not seen since the early stages of the conflict.
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With civilian casualties rising and public infrastructure repeatedly targeted, international observers have expressed concerns over the humanitarian toll of this new phase in the war. The United Nations has urged both parties to refrain from targeting civilian areas and to prioritize diplomatic solutions.
As both sides ramp up their aerial campaigns, the skies over Eastern Europe remain dangerously contested. While Russia celebrates its defensive successes, Ukraine continues to face the grim challenge of rebuilding its shattered cities and countering relentless attacks from above.
