Widespread Drone Attacks Target Russian Cities Overnight, Ministry of Defense Claims 136 Drones Downed

Overnight Drone Barrage Hits Russian Federation

Several cities across the Russian Federation, including Taganrog, Smolensk, and Saratov, reported explosions overnight into November 28, as a widespread drone attack unfolded. The incidents prompted temporary restrictions at various airports and a response from Russian air defense systems.

Russian Defense Ministry Reports Extensive Interceptions

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that its air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a total of 136 Ukrainian drones during the overnight assault. According to the ministry's claims, the drones targeted multiple regions, including the Black Sea and Azov Seas, and occupied Crimea.

Key interception figures provided by the Russian Ministry of Defense include:

• 46 drones over the Rostov Region
• 30 drones over the Saratov region
• 29 drones over Crimea
• 12 drones over the Black Sea

Other regions reportedly affected by drone activity or where air defense operations were recorded include Bryansk, Volgograd, Voronezh, Kursk, and Kaluga oblasts. Due to the perceived threat, the 'Carpet' plan, which restricts airport operations, was introduced in cities such as Samara, Penza, Volgograd, Saratov, Ulyanovsk, Krasnodar, Sochi, and Gelendzhik. Moscow's Vnukovo Airport also faced temporary closures.

Impacts in Targeted Cities

In Taganrog, located in Rostov Oblast, explosions were heard near the Taganrog-Yuzhny military airfield. Independent outlet Astra reported, citing local residents, that one explosion occurred approximately 1.3 kilometers from the airfield, a site where two Russian aircraft had previously been damaged.

Residents of Saratov reported loud explosions and smoke in an industrial zone. Social media posts suggested potential targets included an oil refinery and an airfield from which Russia launches strategic bombers. Governor Roman Busargin acknowledged the drone threat, stating that 'All emergency services are on high alert.'

While specific details for Smolensk on November 28 were less immediately available, it was listed among the cities where explosions were reported overnight amid the widespread drone attack.

Ukrainian Stance Remains Unconfirmed

As of the time of reporting, Ukraine's military has not yet issued an official comment regarding the overnight drone attacks. However, Kyiv has consistently stated its strategy of striking Russian military infrastructure to diminish Moscow's capacity to wage war against Ukraine.