Ukraine Launches Record Drones At Russia In Massive Overnight Barrage, Moscow Says

Last Updated:September 12, 2025, 15:47 IST

Russia intercepted 221 Ukrainian drones in a major overnight assault, targeting Bryansk, Smolensk and Lukoil sites.

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin (Reuters Image)

Russia intercepted 221 Ukrainian drones overnight in what it describes as one of the largest aerial assaults since May. The Russian defence ministry reported that more than half of the drones were destroyed over the Bryansk and Smolensk regions, where energy giant Lukoil’s facilities were reportedly targeted.

In the Leningrad region, authorities said 28 drones were brought down. A fire broke out on a vessel docked at the Baltic port of Primorsk- Russia’s largest oil terminal- but officials said the blaze was extinguished without casualties or leaks.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, two civilians were killed when a Russian glide bomb struck a village in the border region of Sumy.

Ukraine Launches Widespread Strikes

Interceptions were reported across at least nine other Russian regions, including Kaluga, Novgorod and the Moscow area, where nine drones were said to have been destroyed. While debris was scattered across several areas, Russian officials insisted no casualties had occurred.

In Bryansk, however, seven people- including five civilians- were injured when a drone struck a bus, according to regional governor Alexander Bogomaz.

Moscow’s figures, which could not be independently verified, suggest Thursday night’s assault was among Ukraine’s most extensive in more than four months. Russia previously reported destroying a record 524 drones on May 7. By comparison, Kyiv says Russian forces launched more than 800 drones against Ukrainian territory in recent weeks.

The scale of the strikes is being described as the most significant in the Leningrad region since Russia’s full-scale invasion began three and a half years ago. The attack briefly disrupted operations at St Petersburg’s Pulkovo airport.

Escalating Drone War Between Russia And Ukraine

Cross-border drone raids have become an increasingly common feature of the conflict. In July, a sustained Ukrainian drone campaign forced the temporary shutdown of all Moscow airports. Recent Ukrainian strikes have reached deep into Russian territory, targeting oil refineries, depots and logistics hubs hundreds of miles from the front lines.

Moscow, in turn, has stepped up missile and drone bombardments of Ukrainian cities and energy facilities over the summer as US-led peace efforts have faltered.

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