Russia's Defense Ministry reported on Monday that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 22 Ukrainian drones overnight.

According to a Telegram post by the ministry, fifteen drones were downed over the Bryansk region bordering Ukraine, six over the Crimean Peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014, and one over Lipetsk further east.  The governor of Kursk, another western Russian region, separately claimed the downing of three additional Ukrainian drones.

This report comes amidst an escalation of drone attacks by Ukraine on Russian territory. This year, Ukrainian forces have targeted energy facilities believed to be crucial for Russia's military operations, along with towns and villages near the border.

Both sides have relied heavily on drone warfare throughout the conflict that began in February 2022. This includes larger, self-detonating drones capable of traveling hundreds of kilometers. (ILKHA)