Russia says it shot down 146 Ukrainian drones over its territory

MOSCOW — Russia's Defense Ministry said Saturday that air defense systems intercepted 146 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Moscow time. The ministry said the drones were detected and destroyed across multiple regions, including Belgorod, Bryansk, Vladimir, Kaluga, Kursk, Oryol, Ryazan, Tula, Tyumen, Moscow region, the Krasnodar coastal area, the Republic of Crimea and over the Sea of Azov. The ministry's statement provided a regional breakdown of the interceptions carried out during the 12-hour window, indicating simultaneous air defense operations across much of western Russia and the occupied territories. The figures and locations were reported by the Russian side and have not been independently verified. The announcement comes as both sides have stepped up long-range drone strikes since the start of the conflict, with Ukrainian attacks increasingly targeting Russian border regions and infrastructure far from the front lines. Russia has similarly escalated its drone and missile strikes against Ukrainian cities. The ministry did not provide details on potential damage or casualties from any drones that may have reached their targets. No further information was immediately available.