Ukraine's Intensified Drone Assault: Over 220 Drones Launched on Russian Territory

Thu Oct 23 2025 20:09:52 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant escalation, Ukraine has launched a large-scale drone attack on Russia, marking one of the most intense aerial assaults in recent history, according to Russian sources.

Russia claims to have intercepted 221 Ukrainian drones in a push that was the most substantial drone attack in months. The drones targeted various regions, including facilities in Bryansk and Smolensk, while civilian areas in Ukraine were also affected by Russian strikes. The aerial confrontations highlight the growing complexity and intensity of the current conflict.

Russia claims that it downed 221 Ukrainian drones launched on its territory as part of one of the largest aerial assaults since May. Over half of these drones were intercepted over the Bryansk and Smolensk regions, focusing on Lukoil facilities. The Russian defense ministry reported extensive interception efforts, including 28 drones brought down in the Leningrad region, where a fire broke out at the Primorsk port, Russia's largest oil terminal, but it was extinguished without any casualties or leaks.

In contrast, two civilians were tragically killed in Ukraine's Sumy region when a Russian glide bomb struck a nearby village. Interceptions of Ukrainian drones were reported across at least nine additional Russian regions, including Kaluga and Novgorod, with debris scattered widely. Although Russian officials claimed no casualties resulted from these interceptions, seven individuals, including five civilians, were injured when a drone impacted a bus in Bryansk.

The reported drone attack constitutes one of the most substantial aerial bombardments from Ukraine in over four months, although independent verification of such claims remains limited. In comparison, Russian sources stated that they had destroyed a significant number of drones, with figures suggesting that 524 drones were destroyed in a single day in May.

This recent escalation is viewed as one of the most significant events for the Leningrad region since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine 3.5 years ago, leading to temporary suspension of operations at St Petersburg's Pulkovo airport.

Cross-border drone raids have become increasingly common during the conflict as Ukraine aims to strike deeper into Russian territory, targeting strategic facilities positioned far from the frontlines. As part of this ongoing conflict, both countries have aimed drone attacks at each other's most critical infrastructures, contributing to the overall deterioration of conditions on both sides.

The latest incidents coincide with the approach of a major joint military exercise between Russia and Belarus, highlighting the intensified military preparations amid stalled US-led peace negotiations. The region remains on high alert as drone confrontations illustrate the ever-evolving dynamics of the ongoing war.

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