Russian air defense units reported intercepting dozens of Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over several regions during the night and throughout the previous day, according to the Ministry of Defense.

Between 23:00 on February 17 and 7:00 on February 18, air defense systems shot down 43 unmanned aerial vehicles. The largest number — 21 drones — was destroyed over Bryansk Region. Six were intercepted over Belgorod Region, and another six over the Republic of Crimea. Five UAVs were downed in Kursk Region, two in Rostov Region and two in the Chuvash Republic. One drone was eliminated over the waters of the Black Sea.

The wave of attacks had begun earlier. From 20:00 to 23:00 on February 17, air defenses reportedly destroyed 14 drones. Five were shot down in Belgorod Region and five more in Kursk Region. Two UAVs were intercepted in Rostov Region, while single drones were downed in Bryansk and Oryol Regions.

Earlier that evening, between 15:00 and 20:00, 13 drones were neutralized: nine over Belgorod Region, three over Kursk Region and one over Bryansk Region.

In the first half of the day, from 9:00 to 15:00, air defense forces intercepted 19 UAVs. Belgorod Region accounted for 15 of them, while two drones were shot down over Kursk Region and two over the territory of Crimea.