In a night of intense aerial combat, Russia’s air defense networks proved their mettle by downing 170 Ukrainian drones in a large-scale barrage. The Russian Defense Ministry highlighted that 27 of these unmanned aircraft were on a direct path to Moscow, intercepted just in time to safeguard the metropolis.
The action kicked off late Saturday and stretched into Sunday dawn, with defenses activating across diverse fronts. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin shared real-time updates on social channels, lauding the teams that vaporized the 27 Moscow-bound drones without incident.
Air travel ground to a halt temporarily at key hubs. Vnukovo Airport in Moscow and Kaluga Airport faced arrival and departure bans, a move by Rosaviatsiya to prioritize safety during the drone onslaught.
Russia didn’t hold back in retaliation. Strikes targeted critical Ukrainian assets: power grids, transport networks, drone training grounds, launch pads, and bases housing Ukrainian troops alongside foreign fighters.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy countered with his own assessment. Speaking on Saturday, he disclosed Russia’s launch of about 430 drones and 68 missiles, 13 of which were ballistic. His forces’ air defenses knocked down 58 missiles, per initial reports.
On X, Zelenskyy issued a stark call to action: Russian barrages nightly underscore the indispensable role of air defense. He demanded immediate implementation of missile supply pacts and boosted manufacturing of defensive missiles. ‘Each agreement on missile supplies cannot wait,’ he emphasized.
Zelenskyy cautioned that Russia aims to amplify destruction in Ukraine and Europe by capitalizing on Middle Eastern turmoil. Europe must ramp up production of anti-ballistic missiles and life-saving systems, he said, prepared for any threat. Gratitude went to allies, with confidence in Europe’s security prowess.