Ukraine, Russia Exchange Over 100 Drones in Escalating Cross-Border Raids

Ukraine and Russia exchanged a barrage of drone attacks overnight, with more than 100 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched in total, officials from both countries confirmed Wednesday.

Ukraine’s General Staff said its air defenses shot down 74 drones, including Iranian-made Shahed UAVs and decoy drones, following strikes launched from Russian territory and Crimea beginning late on August 26. Interceptions were recorded across Ukraine’s north, south, and east.

On the Russian side, the Defense Ministry reported intercepting 26 Ukrainian drones, with some debris falling in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don. Acting Governor Yury Slyusar said at least seven residential buildings were damaged, and a fire broke out, prompting the evacuation of 15 residents.

There were no reports of casualties from either side.

The attacks mark one of the largest drone exchanges in weeks and come amid a prolonged diplomatic freeze. Moscow continues to demand formal recognition of its territorial claims in eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv remains firm on a complete Russian withdrawal as a precondition for peace.

The use of drones has become a central element of modern warfare in the Ukraine conflict, offering low-cost surveillance and strike capabilities. Both Ukraine and Russia have intensified drone operations as the war grinds on with little sign of diplomatic progress.

Despite mounting international pressure for ceasefire negotiations, particularly as civilian infrastructure continues to suffer, peace talks remain stalled, and both governments appear committed to pressing their respective military campaigns.