Russia Downs 120 Ukrainian Drones Across Border Regions Overnight

Russian air defense systems intercepted and downed 120 Ukrainian drones overnight, primarily in southwestern Russian provinces bordering Ukraine, including Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, and Oryol regions. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported no damage or casualties from these drone attacks, which reflect an intensified Ukrainian campaign targeting infrastructure and military sites deep inside Russia as the conflict enters its fourth year. Temporary air traffic restrictions were implemented and subsequently lifted in major Russian cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaluga, and Nizhny Novgorod for safety during the interceptions. Ukraine has increasingly relied on low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct strategic strikes, prompting Moscow to enhance counter-drone defenses amid a growing technological arms race in drone warfare. In a related development, Ukraine's air defense forces successfully neutralized 117 of 157 drones launched by Russia in a separate attack starting July 5, indicating ongoing reciprocal aerial engagements between the two nations.