Russia claims its air defense systems downed, intercepted 41 Ukrainian drones

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) – Russia on Tuesday claimed that its air defense systems downed or intercepted a total of 41 Ukrainian drones amid two attacks overnight and early in the day.

An initial statement by the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that 22 drones were destroyed by air defense systems on duty, while another 13 were intercepted over the Sea of Azov and the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014.

A later statement further claimed that air defense systems destroyed four Ukrainian aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles and intercepted two more over the Sea of Azov.

Ukrainian officials have not yet commented on the claim and independent verification of Russia's claim is difficult due to the ongoing war.