Russia Claims 122 Ukrainian Drones Shot Down Overnight in Massive Cross-Regional Attack

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that air defense systems intercepted a total of 122 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple regions, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Belgorod, and Voronezh. The strikes represent one of the largest alleged drone offensives by Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began.

Widespread Disruptions and Casualties Reported

According to Russian state media TASS, the drone attacks occurred between 11:30 p.m. on July 16 and 7:00 a.m. on July 17. Key areas impacted include:

• Moscow Region: Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said three drones were shot down approaching the capital between 2–3 a.m. No casualties were reported, but emergency responders were deployed.
• St. Petersburg: The Pulkovo Airport briefly suspended operations at 5 a.m. local time, delaying at least 10 flights. TASS reported that electronic warfare systems were used to neutralize incoming drones east of the city.
• Belgorod: A woman was killed and six others injured after a drone dropped an explosive on a private home, according to regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, as cited by TASS.
• Voronezh: Drone debris struck a residential building, injuring four people — including three minors. Governor Alexander Gusev confirmed four apartments were damaged, with temporary shelters now in place.
• Kaluga Region: A 14-year-old girl was injured after a drone crashed into a two-story home, Governor Vladislav Shapsha stated. Emergency crews were dispatched and residents evacuated.
• Tula Region: Debris landed on an industrial facility, but no injuries were reported.

Drone Interceptions by Region

The Russian Defense Ministry reported the following drone interceptions:

• 43 drones over Bryansk Region
• 38 over Kursk Region
• 10 over Oryol Region
• 6 each over Smolensk and Voronezh Regions
• 5 over Belgorod Region
• 3 each over Moscow, Kaluga, and Crimea
• 2 each over Leningrad and Lipetsk
• 1 over Tula Region

TASS noted that temporary evacuations were initiated in multiple sites following property damage from falling drone debris.

No Official Comment from Ukraine

As of publication, Ukraine’s military has not issued a statement regarding the drone attacks. However, Ukraine has previously targeted Russian military and logistical facilities using drones as part of its asymmetric defense strategy.

The attacks come in the wake of Russia’s continued strikes on Ukrainian territory. On July 16, Russian forces reportedly dropped a 500-kg bomb on a shopping center in Donetsk Oblast, killing two and injuring 28. In Nikopol, a double-tap drone strike injured five, including emergency workers.

U.S. Responds: Trump Issues 50-Day Ultimatum

U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the ongoing violence and issued a stern warning to the Kremlin. “Putin has 50 days to strike a peace deal,” Trump said during a press conference on July 16, “or face tough new tariffs from Washington.”

⚠️ This is a developing news story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.