MOSCOW: The overnight air attacks, Russia successfully repelled attempts by Ukraine, intercepting a drone near Moscow and shooting down missiles over the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that an air defence system thwarted a drone attack aimed at Moscow, with no reported casualties or damage based on preliminary information.
The Russian Defence Ministry released a statement confirming the downing of a drone near Moscow and the interception of another in the northeastern Leningrad region, which surrounds Saint Petersburg. The latter region has seen a notable increase in attacks, with Ukraine targeting Moscow and its surrounding areas with drones since spring 2023.
The ongoing conflict, termed a “special military operation” by Russia, began in February 2022, resulting in cross-border attacks between the two countries. The Belgorod region, sharing a border with Ukraine, has been a frequent target, witnessing deadly strikes over several months.
Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that air defences successfully intercepted 10 missiles heading towards the Belgorod region on Thursday. While a woman sustained injuries, a garage was destroyed, and some utility lines were damaged in the attack.
This incident comes after a tragic event on December 30, where a strike in the city of Belgorod resulted in 25 fatalities and approximately 100 injuries, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the commencement of Russia’s offensive against Ukraine.
