Support The Moscow Times!

Russia Says Downed 16 Ukrainian Drones in South, Crimea

S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile systems in Crimea. Sergei Malgavko / TASS

Russia said Friday it had destroyed 16 Ukrainian drones in the south of the country and over the annexed Crimean peninsula.

On Thursday night, "an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using aerial drones against sites on the territory of the Russian Federation was thwarted," Russia's Defense Ministry said.

"Air defense systems destroyed 16 drones, including 13 over the Crimean peninsula and three over the territory of the Volgograd region."

Ukraine has ramped up drone and missile attacks on Russian military installations in and around the peninsula in recent months.

Crimea — annexed by Russia in 2014 — serves as the rear base for the Black Sea Fleet and a key supply route for Russian forces in southern and eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine's military meanwhile said its air defense systems had downed three Iranian-designed attack drones launched by Russian forces overnight.

They also said Russia had launched two guided air missiles but did not provide details.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more