Ukrainian forces have carried out drone attacks on Russian regions at reduced intensity for the third consecutive night, while continuing to use the same flight routes.

According to the Telegram channel Arkhangel Spetsnaza, Ukrainian UAVs once again flew through border areas of the Bryansk, Belgorod and Kursk regions overnight on October 21. Some drones managed to reach the Novgorod region. However, the channel’s authors believe the attacks failed to achieve any significant results.

The military observers suggested that Ukrainian forces may be testing Russian air defenses rather than attempting major strikes. In their assessment, the drones could be used to identify air defense positions and determine the most suitable flight corridors for future operations.

The channel also noted that Ukrainian media outlets had actively circulated reports of attacks on targets in the near rear areas the previous day. These included strikes on vehicles along the Novorossiya highway and a telecommunications operator’s building in Lugansk.

Reports had also suggested that restrictions affecting the Starlink satellite communication system were responsible for a decline in Ukrainian drone attacks along the Novorossiya highway. However, the channel’s authors disputed this explanation, pointing to continued strikes against trucks as evidence that Ukrainian UAV operations had not been halted.

Instead, Arkhangel Spetsnaza attributed the reduced drone activity, including fewer deployments of Hornet UAVs, to worsening weather conditions. According to the channel, stronger winds in combat areas over recent days may have complicated the use of unmanned aircraft.