The Russian Defence Ministry has reported the interception of 77 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions and occupied territories, claiming their air defense systems were successful in these operations.
The Russian Defence Ministry has announced that its air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed 77 Ukrainian drones on the night of February 20-21. The ministry detailed that these interceptions occurred over various regions including Krasnodar Krai, occupied Crimea, and the Sea of Azov, indicating the extensive reach of Ukrainian drone operations. The breakdown of interceptions included 24 drones over Krasnodar Krai, 13 over Crimea, and nine each over Kursk and Rostov Oblasts.
In addition to the interception claims, the Russian defense statement notably omitted mention of a drone attack on a missile production plant located in Russia's Udmurt Republic. This absence has raised questions among analysts and media, as local authorities had confirmed the strike, suggesting a possible oversight or intentional neglect by the ministry in its report. Some sources have speculated that this incident might be connected to the use of Flamingo cruise missiles, indicating a potential escalation in tactics.
The report of intercepted drones serves to underline the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia amid the ongoing conflict. It reflects on both the capabilities of Ukrainian forces to conduct drone strikes deep into Russian territory and the ongoing efforts by Russian air defenses to mitigate these threats. As the war continues, incidents like these illustrate the dynamic nature of military engagements in the region and the complexities involved in assessing claims from both sides.
