Russia intercepts nearly 400 drones; Putin calls for stronger air defense

Russian air defense systems intercepted a staggering 376 Ukrainian drones overnight, thwarting attacks across numerous western regions, including the capital Moscow and the major city of St. Petersburg. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that drones were downed over regions stretching from Belgorod to Tula, as well as over Crimea and the Azov and Black Seas.

The Leningrad region, home to St. Petersburg and key Baltic Sea ports, saw 141 drones shot down, according to Governor Alexander Drozdenko. The city, currently hosting the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, experienced temporary airport closures and activated air defenses. This follows earlier drone strikes on energy and military facilities during the forum's opening, prompting President Vladimir Putin to acknowledge the need for enhanced air defense.

Ukrainian drones also reportedly struck targets such as the Kronstadt naval port on the Baltic Sea, sites in the southern Krasnodar region, and the occupied Ukrainian city of Mariupol. Near Moscow, several drones were intercepted, and a fire broke out at a port in Ust-Labinsk following an attack, though no casualties were reported.

Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine resulted in at least three fatalities. Regional authorities reported the discovery of two missing men's bodies in the Zaporizhzhia region and one death in the city of Dnipropetrovsk. Both sides continue their cross-border assaults amid stalled diplomatic efforts by the United States.