Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Monday that its air defense systems intercepted a wave of 162 Ukrainian drones during a large-scale overnight assault across multiple regions of western Russia.

The alleged attack, which spanned several hours from the evening of June 1 into the early morning of June 2, reportedly targeted major cities and industrial infrastructure.

The Russian ministry said the drones were shot down across at least eight oblasts, with the highest concentration intercepted over Kursk Oblast (57 drones). Other affected regions reportedly included Belgorod (31 drones), Lipetsk (27), Voronezh (16), Bryansk (11), Ryazan (11), Oryol (6), and Tambov (1). Two additional UAVs were reportedly downed over Russian-occupied Crimea.

The scale of the drone attack suggests a continued escalation in Ukraine’s campaign to strike strategic and military targets within Russian territory, following similar strikes on airfields and logistics centers in recent weeks.

Explosions and Damage Reported

Local Telegram channels and Russian media outlets reported explosions, debris damage, and air raid sirens in several oblasts. In Voronezh, loud blasts were heard around 11:00 p.m. local time on June 1. Residents reported window-rattling explosions and bright flashes lighting up the night sky. More than 15 drones were allegedly intercepted over the city.

In Kursk, a drone reportedly crashed into a residential area around 11:40 p.m., damaging the upper floors of a nine-story apartment block. Two nearby houses and several vehicles were also reportedly damaged. No casualties were reported.

In Lipetsk Oblast, drones reportedly targeted the city of Lipetsk and surrounding towns. Unconfirmed reports suggested a possible strike attempt on the Novolipetsk Steel Plant (NLMK) — Russia’s largest steel producer — though no official damage was confirmed. Bright flashes and air defenses were reportedly visible in the skies above the city.

Ryazan also faced drone-related damage, with debris damaging parked cars and shattering windows in several residential buildings.

Elsewhere, drone activity and air alerts were reported in the Ivanovo and Volgograd regions. While some drones were intercepted before reaching major population centers, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Ukraine Silent, But Attacks Increasing

Ukrainian officials have not commented on the reports, and the claims from the Russian Defense Ministry could not be independently verified.

The reported overnight assault follows a major Ukrainian drone operation a day earlier, in which Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claimed to have targeted 41 Russian heavy bombers at four military airfields — marking one of the largest attacks on Russian air power inside its territory since the full-scale war began.

Ukrainian drone attacks have intensified in recent months, with strikes hitting oil refineries, military bases, and logistical hubs hundreds of kilometers inside Russian territory, part of what analysts describe as a strategy to weaken Russia’s war-fighting capacity and disrupt supply chains.

The growing frequency and geographic spread of drone operations indicate a deepening phase in the war, where Ukraine appears increasingly capable of projecting force inside Russia, despite limitations in conventional airpower.

Russian authorities have yet to provide visual evidence of the intercepted drones or damage assessments. Meanwhile, air defenses across the affected oblasts remain on high alert. (ILKHA)