Russia says it downed 285 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions in a day

MOSCOW — Russia's Defense Ministry said Sunday its air defenses intercepted and destroyed 285 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory during a single day. According to the ministry, the operations were carried out between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Moscow time, with engagements reported simultaneously across several regions. The ministry said the drones were neutralized over Belgorod, Kursk, Bryansk, Tula, Lipetsk, Ryazan, Oryol and Kaluga, as well as in Moscow and the surrounding area. It added that additional interception activity was conducted in the Republic of Bashkortostan and the Republic of Crimea. Russia did not provide details on damage or casualties. No immediate response was reported from Ukrainian officials regarding the claim. The statement came as Russia continues to face sustained Ukrainian drone strikes on its western regions and rear areas, though the scale reported on Sunday was unusually high. No further details on the operation were immediately available.