Russia claims it thwarted Ukrainian drone attacks in Smolensk, Tula regions

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) – Russia has claimed that its forces thwarted three Ukrainian drone attacks aimed at the country’s Smolensk and Tula regions.

The Russian Defense Ministry said in early Sunday statement that it shot down three aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the Smolensk region at about 1:30 a.m. Moscow time (2230GMT).

Following the attempted drone attack, Smolensk Governor Vasily Anokhin said on Telegram that there were no casualties in the region and that emergency services are working at the crash site.

In an earlier statement, the ministry claimed that a UAV was shot down over the Smolensk region at around 11:50 p.m. Moscow time (2050GMT).

Another drone was shot down over the Tula region at the same time by air defense systems, the ministry claimed in a separate statement.

Tula officials have yet to comment on possible casualties or damage in the region.

However, the RBC-Ukraine news agency claimed, citing unnamed sources from Ukraine's military intelligence, that the Ukrainian army successfully targeted a defense industry plant in Tula.

Ukraine has yet to officially confirm the attack on Russia's defense industry plant.