Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 65 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles overnight across several Russian regions and above the waters of the Azov and Black Seas, the Russian Defense Ministry announced. The interceptions took place between 11 p.m. Moscow time on November 18 and 7 a.m. on November 19, marking one of the largest reported overnight drone engagements in recent weeks.
According to the ministry, 16 drones were destroyed over the Black Sea, while another 9 were intercepted above the waters of the Azov Sea. Inside Russian territory, air defenses shot down 14 drones over the Voronezh Region, 14 over the Krasnodar Region, 11 over the Belgorod Region, and one drone over the Bryansk Region. The ministry emphasized that all UAVs were neutralized before causing significant damage.
These drone incidents come amid ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides continuing to rely heavily on UAVs for reconnaissance and attacks. The Russian Defense Ministry reiterated that its air defense units remain on high alert to counter what it describes as intensified Ukrainian drone activity in border areas and strategic maritime zones.
