Russian air defense systems repelled another wave of drone attacks overnight on April 1, according to the Defense Ministry. Between 20:00 Moscow time on March 31 and 07:00 the following morning, 42 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones were intercepted and destroyed.

The heaviest strike targeted the Rostov Region, where 30 drones were shot down. Three more were eliminated over Crimea. Air defenses also downed two drones each over Krasnodar Region and the waters of the Azov and Black Seas. Additional interceptions were reported in Belgorod and Kursk Regions, as well as in Stavropol Region, with one drone destroyed in each area.

Rostov Region Governor Yuri Slyusar stated that the large-scale attack affected several cities simultaneously. According to his account, drones were brought down over Novoshakhtinsk, Taganrog, Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, and Bataysk. The most significant damage occurred in Novoshakhtinsk, particularly in the settlements of Sokolovo-Kundryuchensky and Zapadny.

Falling debris caused partial damage to private homes, mainly shattering windows, and also affected one vehicle. In the Neklinovsky District, another house sustained damage to its glazing. Preliminary reports indicate that a total of 15 private households and one car were impacted.

Air defense units had also been active the previous day. Between 09:00 and 20:00 on March 31, they destroyed 18 drones-14 over Belgorod Region and two each over Bryansk and Kursk Regions.