MOSCOW: Russian air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed 17 Ukrainian drones overnight, according to a statement released by the Russian Defense Ministry. The drones were reportedly targeting locations across several Russian provinces. According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Russian Defense Ministry detailed in their statement that the attempted drone attack was thwarted over Russian territory. The ministry confirmed that a total of 17 drones were intercepted, with specific numbers provided for each affected region: eight drones were shot down over Bryansk province, four over Belgorod province, three over Kursk province, and two over Oryol province. The Defense Ministry's statement did not provide further details on the intended targets of the drones or the potential damage averted by their interception. The report of this incident comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, with drone activity representing one of the facets of conflict between the two nations.