Russia says air defenses downed 215 Ukrainian drones in 24 hours

MOSCOW — Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defense forces intercepted 215 Ukrainian drones over the past 24 hours, destroying them across multiple regions and over the Sea of Azov and Black Sea. The ministry listed interceptions over Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Kursk, Oryol, Ryazan, Tula, Tyumen and Chelyabinsk regions, as well as over Moscow, Krasnodar region and the Republic of Crimea. The figures were released as part of routine military briefings, the ministry said, without specifying the types of drones involved or the time of each interception. It did not mention any damage on the ground or casualties from debris. The ministry said Russian air defenses operated continuously and engaged targets at varying altitudes in line with established procedures. Kyiv has not commented on the claim in the available reporting. No further details were immediately available.