Ukraine has once again resorted to using weather balloons rigged with explosives, according to Russian emergency services. Officials reported that such devices were spotted over Lipetsk Region on the evening prior and were successfully brought down. Similar attempts had already been recorded in the autumn of 2024.

Security sources told RIA Novosti that three meteorological balloons carrying charges were detected as they attempted to cross into the area.

Earlier, regional governor Igor Artamonov confirmed that an air-raid alert had been declared across Lipetsk. The warning was issued at 18:30 Moscow time after reports of a possible drone strike and remained in effect for 51 minutes.

Shortly afterward, the Ministry of Defense announced that air defense units had destroyed two Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles over the region at around 19:00. The ministry did not clarify what type of drones had been intercepted.