Russia claims shooting down 31 Ukrainian drones, 4 missiles

The Ministry accused Ukraine of attempting "terrorist attacks" with the drones, targeting Russian territory. They claim to have shot down twelve drones over Belgorod, a region bordering Ukraine where a Ukrainian strike resulted in civilian casualties the previous day.

Eight drones were reportedly destroyed in Kursk, another region neighboring Ukraine, while four were intercepted over Lipetsk. Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014, witnessed the downing of seven drones and four British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, according to the Ministry's statement.

These claims come amidst an apparent increase in Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian soil over the past year, as the war shows no signs of immediate resolution. Recent Ukrainian attacks have targeted Russian oil refineries, aiming to disrupt the country's fuel production. (ILKHA)