Russia Downs 75 Ukrainian Drones in Overnight Offensive

Russia's air defence systems intercepted 75 Ukrainian drones overnight, including eight near the Tuapse refinery. The defence ministry reported downing drones over various regions, with no immediate damage disclosed. Blasts were heard near the refinery, but no official Ukrainian response was given.

Russia's air defence systems intercepted 75 drones launched by Ukraine overnight, according to the Russian defence ministry. Notably, eight drones were destroyed near the town of Tuapse on the Black Sea, where Russia's oil giant Rosneft has a refinery.

In addition, 47 drones were downed over Rostov region in the southwest, 17 over the Black and Azov seas, and eight over the Krasnodar region. Singular drones were reportedly intercepted over the Belgorod, Voronezh, and Smolensk regions. The ministry did not specify if the drones caused any damage.

Sergei Boiko, Tuapse district head, confirmed on Telegram that there was no damage to infrastructure or residential buildings. The Tuapse refinery has been a recurrent target since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022. While Russian media outlets like SHOT and Mash reported explosions near the refinery, these claims remain unverified. There has been no immediate comment from Ukraine, which frequently justifies its attacks as retaliatory actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)