Russia announced on Thursday that its air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed 73 drones launched from Ukraine overnight. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, among the drones shot down were three reportedly headed toward Moscow.

The majority of the drones were intercepted over Russia’s southwestern border regions, including 31 in the Bryansk region. The large-scale drone operation prompted temporary flight suspensions at three major Moscow airports — Domodedovo, Zhukovsky, and Vnukovo — although normal operations resumed later.

Authorities reported no casualties or significant damage, though emergency services were dispatched to assess areas where debris from the downed drones may have landed.

This latest drone offensive marks another escalation in Ukraine’s ongoing strategy of targeting Russian territory with unmanned aerial vehicles. Ukrainian officials have previously stated that such operations are intended to undermine Russia’s military infrastructure and capabilities.

In recent months, drone attacks have become more frequent and expansive, with both sides increasing their reliance on unmanned systems in the protracted conflict. The Russian government has vowed to enhance its air defense systems further to prevent future incursions.