MOSCOW: Russia said on Thursday that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed nearly 350 Ukrainian drones overnight, marking one of the largest aerial attacks in recent weeks as tensions intensified ahead of Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations.
According to the Russian Defence Ministry, a total of 347 Ukrainian drones were shot down between 1800 GMT and 0400 GMT across several regions, including areas bordering Ukraine.
The strikes came amid growing fears of further escalation ahead of the May 9 military parade in Moscow commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Regional authorities reported casualties following the attacks. In the Belgorod region, a woman was killed after a drone strike, while officials in the Bryansk region said at least 13 people were injured. Both regions lie close to the Ukrainian border and have frequently been targeted during the conflict.
According to AFP, the latest wave of attacks followed competing ceasefire proposals from Moscow and Kyiv. Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier proposed a temporary truce to coincide with the Victory Day commemorations, a period during which Russia is expected to host a large military parade in Red Square attended by senior officials and foreign dignitaries.
Ukraine, however, announced its own unilateral ceasefire proposal on May 6, accusing Moscow of continuing military operations despite the offer.
Ukrainian officials said Russian forces carried out attacks throughout the day and overnight, effectively rejecting Kyiv’s initiative.
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 102 drones overnight targeting Ukrainian territory. Air defence units were deployed in several regions to repel the attacks, although Ukrainian authorities did not immediately disclose the full extent of damage or casualties.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised Russia for disregarding Kyiv’s ceasefire call and warned that Moscow could face further strikes during the upcoming Victory Day events. His remarks reflected rising tensions as both countries intensified long-range aerial operations.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and military-linked facilities deep inside Russian territory, while Russian missile and drone barrages on Ukrainian cities have caused mounting civilian casualties. The latest exchanges have fuelled concerns that prospects for a temporary pause in fighting remain distant despite diplomatic appeals.
On Wednesday evening, Moscow warned that any Ukrainian attack during the Victory Day commemorations could trigger a massive retaliatory strike on central Kyiv.
Russian authorities also said diplomatic missions in Ukraine had been advised to consider evacuating staff amid fears of further escalation.
The continuing exchanges underline the increasingly volatile situation on both sides of the border as the war enters another critical phase, with neither Moscow nor Kyiv showing signs of backing away from military pressure despite international calls for restraint.
