Russia Downs Nine Drones Across Moscow, Tula, Nizhny Novgorod Regions

Russian air defense systems have intercepted multiple Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow and surrounding regions, with seven drones reportedly downed overnight and two additional drones destroyed near the capital, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Despite these defensive successes, three people were killed in attacks on the Tula and Nizhny Novgorod regions, highlighting ongoing tensions. Amid reports of a potential U.S.-brokered peace deal between Presidents Trump and Putin, Russia launched a massive drone strike on Ukraine using over 100 Iranian-designed Shahed drones, with Ukraine intercepting 82 but suffering strikes from 26 drones. Ukrainian officials suggest Russia's recent reduction in drone attacks may be a strategic pause to prepare for larger assaults, possibly signaling an attempt to demonstrate readiness for an air truce to international partners. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to conduct successful drone operations against Russian infrastructure, including oil refineries and railway stations, underscoring the continuing conflict dynamics across both sides.