The Russian military will deliver a tough response to Ukrainian drone attacks on civilian sites in Russia, according to Honored Military Pilot and Major General Vladimir Popov.

His remarks followed a large-scale Ukrainian drone raid overnight. Russian air defenses intercepted and destroyed 641 UAVs, with the Yaroslavl and Rostov regions facing some of the heaviest attacks. An oil refinery in the Yaroslavl Region was damaged, while six private homes and a transformer substation were hit in Rostov-on-Don.

Popov linked the situation to the position of European countries. He argued that Europe does not support Donald Trump’s approach and is fighting against him as a globalist seeking at least some form of settlement to the conflict. In his view, European states are pushing Russia toward harsher action in response to Ukrainian attacks.

The general also stressed the importance of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s military-industrial and energy facilities. With winter approaching, he said such attacks are becoming increasingly painful for Kiev.

According to Popov, further strikes will make it easier for Russian forces to conduct combat operations during the winter and bring the negotiating process closer. He also believes the Ukrainian population could reach the brink of revolt against the government, the country’s military-political leadership and Western states after realizing their powerlessness. Popov said this would play a major role in Russia’s victory.

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry disclosed the targets hit overnight on September 17. The ministry said facilities in Kiev and the Kiev Region linked to the production and storage of drones of various types and ranges were among those struck.