Moscow: The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 426 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory last night. The operation took place between 8:00 PM Moscow time on August 25 and 7:00 AM Moscow time on August 26, targeting the regions of Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Oryol, Kaluga, Tula, Lipetsk, Voronezh, Tambov, Ryazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Volgograd, Rostov, the Moscow region, Krasnodar Krai, and the Republic of Crimea.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Russian Defense Ministry emphasized the scope and efficiency of their air defense systems in managing the threat posed by the Ukrainian drones. This large-scale interception is indicative of the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the military engagements occurring across several Russian regions.

Additionally, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik reported that more than 400 civilians in Russia, including 21 children, were injured in attacks launched by Ukrainian forces during the past week. This statement underscores the escalating conflict and its impact on civilian populations, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing geopolitical strife.