Russia said it intercepted a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks overnight, claiming dozens were shot down over Moscow and Crimea, even as NATO convened an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting to address mounting airspace violations.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced that 15 drones were destroyed within four hours before they could reach the Russian capital. In the Tula region, Governor Dmitry Meliyayev confirmed that three drones were downed without causing casualties or damage.

The strikes extended south to Crimea, where Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev reported at least six drones neutralized near the Black Sea Fleet’s naval base. Falling debris sparked fires that were quickly contained. Crimea’s Moscow-appointed leader Sergey Aksyonov recalled that attacks on resort towns earlier this week killed three civilians and injured 16 others.

The latest barrage underscores the intensifying pattern of near-daily drone and missile exchanges as the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its third year.

The overnight assault coincided with a NATO-called emergency session at the UN Security Council, where Western officials raised alarm over alleged Russian violations of allied airspace.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz accused Russian MiG-31 jets of violating Estonian airspace last week, warning: “The United States, together with its NATO allies, will defend every inch of our territory.”

Estonia described the incident as a “serious provocation” and urged swift action from both NATO and the UN. Poland also accused Russian drones of crossing its borders repeatedly this month, calling the incursions “hostile acts.”

Western governments have warned that Moscow is engaging in a “dangerous game” that risks sparking direct confrontation with NATO. Russia, however, has denied any violations, dismissing the accusations as part of what it calls Western disinformation campaigns.

Analysts caution that with drone warfare intensifying and airspace disputes mounting, the Ukraine conflict could easily broaden into a wider confrontation between Russia and NATO allies. (ILKHA)