Baghdad: The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday that its air defense units intercepted and destroyed 285 Ukrainian drones over a 12-hour period.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the ministry explained in a statement that the air defenses shot down the drones between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM Moscow time (05:00-17:00 GMT). The interceptions were predominantly reported in central and western Russia, with additional incidents occurring in the Bashkortostan region, which is situated between the Volga River and the Ural Mountains.

This significant defensive action highlights ongoing tensions and the scale of drone warfare in the region. The Russian Ministry of Defense's statement underscores the strategic importance of air defense systems in mitigating aerial threats. The interceptions reflect the persistent conflict dynamics between Russia and Ukraine, with both nations utilizing advanced military technology in their engagements.