Russian forces have destroyed more than 3,000 Ukrainian drones over the course of a single week, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
State-run Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported that between May 10 and May 17, Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a total of 3,124 drones launched from Ukraine.
The ministry said hundreds of drones were shot down each day during the seven-day period, with the highest numbers recorded on May 13 and May 17. Russian forces reportedly destroyed 572 drones on May 13 and 1,054 drones on May 17 alone.
Ukraine has recently intensified drone strikes deep inside Russian territory, targeting several regions including areas surrounding Moscow. According to Russian authorities, at least four people were killed in the attacks during the week, three of them in Moscow and nearby areas.
The Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022 after years of growing tensions between Moscow and Kyiv, fueled by disputes over Crimea and Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen ties with NATO.
Since returning to office on January 20, 2025, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he is seeking to end the conflict. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has continued discussions with European allies for additional military and financial assistance as the war shows no sign of ending.
