Moscow region targeted by barrage of more than 600 drones overnight, Russia says

Russian air defence systems intercepted hundreds of unmanned aircraft directed at the capital region in an overnight barrage, according to official reports carried by state media.

Russian state news agency TASS reported that forces brought down the bulk of 613 drones directed toward Moscow during the overnight assault. The operation took place across several hours spanning Wednesday evening through Thursday morning.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated via Telegram that defence units managed to shoot down 231 of the drones as they flew on approach toward the metropolis. The remaining aircraft were thwarted at locations further away from the capital along distant flight paths, according to the official statement.

The latest aerial incident follows earlier large-scale strikes on the area surrounding the capital. Russian defence forces previously reported intercepting over 1,600 drones during a record-setting attack that struck the Moscow region in September.

At the same time, strikes were reported on Ukrainian soil. In Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated on Telegram that a Russian assault hit and damaged an educational facility.

Cross-border aerial engagements have continued between both countries, with regular drone incursions aimed at key infrastructure and population centres on both sides of the frontier. Authorities have not released full details regarding casualties or the total extent of destruction caused by the latest drone waves.