Russia Shoots Down 155 Ukrainian Drones Overnight, Two Killed in Strikes

Russia’s defense ministry on Friday said its air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 155 Ukrainian drones during an intense overnight barrage — one of the largest in recent months.

The attack, which lasted from 11:00 p.m. Thursday to 7:00 a.m. Friday (2000–0400 GMT), primarily targeted regions bordering Ukraine.

The ministry stated via Telegram that 53 of the fixed-wing drones were shot down over the Kursk region alone.

Despite the interceptions, some drones managed to hit targets, with deadly consequences. In Russia’s western Lipetsk region, Governor Igor Artamonov confirmed that a drone crashed into an agricultural facility in the Khlevensky district, sparking a fire that left one person dead and another injured.

Similarly, in the western Tula region, Governor Dmitry Milyaev reported that another drone strike claimed one life and wounded one person.

Meanwhile, across the border in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, a Russian missile strike struck the city of Chuguiv early Friday. The attack destroyed two private residences and damaged a hospital, wounding three people, according to Mayor Galyna Minaeva.

Elsewhere, Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said at least 28 people, including two children, were injured during Russian shelling on Thursday.

The overnight drone assault is part of a broader escalation, with Russia and Ukraine exchanging some of the most intense drone and missile attacks since the conflict began in February 2022.