Russian air defenses intercept tens of Ukrainian drones overnight: MoD
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Russia's Defense Ministry says 17 Ukrainian drones were shot down over the Bryansk Region.
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A soldier of Ukraine's National Guard 15th Brigade launches a reconnaissance drone Penguin to determine Russian positions, a farmer collects harvest on the wheat field in the background, near the front line in Zaporizhzhia region, on Monday, July 29, 2024 (AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko)
Russia's air defense systems intercepted 23 Ukrainian drones over four Russian regions during the past night, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Sunday.
"During the past night, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack using aircraft-type UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] against targets on the territory of the Russian Federation was thwarted," the ministry said in a statement.
According to the statement, 17 drones were shot down over the Bryansk Region, three over the Rostov Region, two over the Belgorod Region and one over the Kursk Region.
Later, Moscow's mayor said that another eight drones flying toward the Russian capital were shot down by air defense forces in urban districts of Ramenky, Domodedovo, and Kolomna.
The announcement comes a couple of days after Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed that its forces have captured two additional settlements in the Donetsk region amid ongoing combat.
The villages of Antonivka and Maksymivka reportedly fell under Russian control following an operation conducted by the Yug (South) and Vostok (East) military groups, the ministry said on Wednesday.
It further stated that the Russian forces secured strategic advances elsewhere in Donetsk, reportedly seizing Western-supplied weapons and military equipment.
"In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 648 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 35,298 drones, 585 air defense, 19,063 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,484 multiple rocket launchers, 17,368 field artillery and mortars, 28,010 special military vehicles have been destroyed," a statement read.
Read more: Elon Musk says Trump's plan will soon end Ukraine war
Pessimism on the rise
For months, diplomats from the US and the EU have pushed for a resolution that could see Ukraine cede parts to its east, including regions of the Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts, to Russia in exchange for an end to hostilities.
Now, with Donald Trump emerging as the winner of the latest US election, Ukrainian officials fear that the new administration may increase pressure on Kiev to accept a peace deal on Russia's terms.
Amid these pressures, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has promoted his controversial "victory plan", which calls for Western support, potential NATO membership, and long-term joint protection of Ukraine’s valuable natural resources.
His plan, presented in European capitals before it reached the Ukrainian legislature, includes provisions that critics argue prioritize Western interests over Ukraine’s sovereignty, raising concerns that Ukraine's resources may be offered up to foreign investors in exchange for continued military backing.
Experts suggest this plan reflects Ukraine's fragile position, with Zelensky willing to make concessions that include mobilizing Ukraine's youth and even hinting at nuclear options if NATO membership is denied.
Since taking office, the Biden administration has been one of Ukraine's strongest supporters, committing billions in aid to bolster Kiev's forces.
In contrast, Trump's campaign statements suggest a potential shift away from US involvement in Ukraine, raising hopes among some Russian officials that his presidency might ease tensions.
However, the Kremlin advised restraint, emphasizing the need for a "careful analysis" of the new administration's words and actions before making any assumptions.
Read more: US rushing weapons to Ukraine before Trump takes office: WSJ
