Russia says air defenses downed 316 Ukrainian drones in 12 hours

MOSCOW — Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defense systems downed or intercepted 316 Ukrainian drones between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on August 17. The ministry said the drones were brought down over the Moscow, Kaluga, Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Smolensk, Oryol and Rostov regions, as well as over Crimea and the Black Sea. According to the statement, the operations were carried out as part of routine patrol activity by air defense units. Russia has in recent weeks alleged a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on its border regions. The ministry said the information on the downed aircraft had been confirmed by military authorities. No further details on casualties or damage were immediately available.