Russia shoots down 339 Ukrainian drones in massive air defense operation as conflict continues

Russia’s Defense Ministry said on Saturday that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed 339 Ukrainian drones in 13 hours, in one of the largest drone strikes reported in recent months.According to Reuters, the interceptions took place in multiple regions of Russia, including areas around Moscow.The attacks reportedly come as both Russia and Ukraine continue to rely heavily on drone warfare, targeting military infrastructure and strategic locations far from the front lines.13 regions reported interceptionsThe drones were shot down on Friday, the Defense Ministry said in a statement posted on Telegram. The Ministry of Defense lists 13 areas where air defense units are active, as well as areas over the Black Sea.Affected areas include several regions in central Russia as well as the northwestern regions of Leningrad and Pskov, indicating the wide geographic scope of reported drone activity.Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin issued a series of updates throughout the day.Flight operations temporarily suspendedDrone activity also disrupts civilian air traffic. As a precautionary measure, the Russian Civil Aviation Administration announced the temporary suspension of flights at multiple airports that day.Russian news agencies reported that authorities issued four separate suspension orders affecting the airport in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, underscoring the wider impact of security measures triggered by reported drone strikes.Ukraine is still under attackRussian attacks continue to take a toll across the country. The bodies of two men missing in a Russian attack on Saturday have been found, Zaporozhye Region Governor Ivan Fedorov said.On Thursday, Ukrainian authorities reported that at least 12 people were killed and dozens injured in Russian attacks across the country.Amid the escalating attacks, Zelensky reiterated his call for an end to the conflict, saying Russia must stop its military operations in Ukraine.He said: “Russia must end the war and stop the attacks on life. Any injustice against Ukraine will be met with a just response. It is time to end this war.”However, after Zelensky reportedly sent an open letter to Putin, Putin rejected the offer for direct talks.