09:19 15-04-2026

Russia Air Defense Downs 85 Ukrainian Drones Overnight

Zеlеnskiу / Оfficiаl / Telegram

Russian air defense forces intercepted 85 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple regions, including Crimea and the Black Sea, according to the Ministry of Defense.

Russian air defense forces repelled another large-scale drone attack overnight on April 15, according to the Ministry of Defense. The ведомство reported that a total of 85 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed.

The operation unfolded over an extended period, from 20:00 Moscow time on April 14 until 07:00 on April 15. During these hours, on-duty air defense systems intercepted and eliminated fixed-wing drones across several regions, including Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, Samara, and Saratov regions, as well as over Crimea and the waters of the Azov and Black Seas.

In the Rostov region, drones were shot down near Kamensk-Shakhtinsky. Governor Yuri Slyusar stated that the incident caused no casualties or damage on the ground.

The Ministry of Defense also highlighted earlier activity the same day. Between 08:00 and 20:00 Moscow time on April 14, air defense units destroyed an additional 11 Ukrainian drones. These were intercepted over Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, and Kursk regions, Crimea, and the Black Sea.

Ukrainian forces continue to carry out drone strikes targeting both border areas and deeper regions of Russia. In most cases, these UAVs are detected and neutralized by air defense systems. In response, Russian forces conduct precision strikes against facilities linked to drone production, elements of Ukraine’s military-industrial infrastructure, as well as positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, weapons depots, and military equipment.