Russia’s air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 249 Ukrainian drones overnight on March 23, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The attacks were reported across multiple regions. The ministry said the drones were shot down over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Vladimir, Kaluga, Kursk, Leningrad, Novgorod, Pskov, Smolensk, Tver and Tula regions, as well as in the Moscow area and above the waters of the Azov Sea.

In the Bryansk region, Governor Alexander Bogomaz stated that 128 drones were eliminated during the night. The operation involved air defense units from the Defense Ministry, mobile fire groups from the BARS-Bryansk brigade, and Rosgvardiya special units. He indicated that no casualties or damage had been reported, with emergency and operational services continuing their work on site.

Smolensk region authorities also reported overnight interceptions. Governor Vasily Anokhin said that air defense forces shot down 19 drones in the area.