Doha: Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced on Friday that its air defense systems had intercepted and destroyed 77 Ukrainian drones over several Russian regions.
According to Qatar News Agency, 34 drones were downed over Volgograd, 23 over Rostov, five over Kaluga, five over Crimea, and three over Moscow, including one reportedly heading toward the capital. Additional drones were destroyed over the Black Sea (three), Belgorod (two), Voronezh (one), and the Sea of Azov (one).
The announcement comes amid ongoing US-led diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and end the war, which began in February 2022. Despite these efforts, fighting continues on the ground, with both sides conducting air strikes and military operations.