Russia's air defense systems intercepted 25 Ukrainian drones over four Russian regions during the past night, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Wednesday.

"This night, attempts by the Kiev regime to carry out terrorist attacks using aircraft-type UAVs against targets on the territory of the Russian Federation were thwarted. Air defense systems on duty destroyed 25 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles," a statement by the ministry read. 

Fourteen drones were destroyed over the Krasnodar Territory, six over the Bryansk Region, three over Crimea, and two over the Rostov Region, bringing the total to 25 neutralized drones. 

As the war persists between Russia and Ukraine, recent estimations show that over 40% of the territory Ukraine seized in Russia's Kursk region during a surprise August incursion has been lost amid intensified Russian counterattacks, a senior Ukrainian military source told Reuters.

Ukrainian forces, which initially controlled 1,376 km², now hold approximately 800 km² as Russia reinforces its defenses with tens of thousands of troops, according to Reuters.

"At most, we controlled about 1,376 km² (531 mi²), now of course this territory is smaller. The enemy is increasing its counterattacks," the source said.

"Now we control approximately 800 km² (309 mi²). We will hold this territory for as long as is militarily appropriate."

Kursk was initially seized by Ukrainian forces in a surprise offensive in August, marking the first ground invasion of Russian territory by a foreign power since WWII.

Troop deployment

According to the General Staff source, Russia has deployed approximately 59,000 troops to the Kursk region and currently has around 575,000 troops involved in the war, with plans to increase this number to 690,000.

The source further alleged that around 11,000 DPRK troops have reportedly arrived in the Kursk region to support Russia, though the majority of these forces are still in the process of completing their training.

With regards to challenges on other fronts, the source noted that Ukraine is simultaneously dealing with intense pressure on two besieged fronts in eastern Ukraine.

The situation is further complicated as Ukrainian troops brace for a potential infantry assault in the south, adding to the strain on their already stretched resources. 

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