Russia says it downed 220 Ukrainian drones over nine hours

Russia claims its air defenses shot down 220 Ukrainian drones in nine hours, including 24 targeting Moscow, with major interceptions over central regions and the capital.

Alistair Bell/Reuters

February 27, 2026

Ukrainian servicemen hit a Russian drone during a Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 26, 2026.

Gleb Garanich/Reuters

Russia's Defence Ministry said on Thursday its air defence units had downed 220 Ukrainian drones over a nine-hour period, including 24 headed for Moscow.

The latest ministry statement said 53 drones were intercepted and destroyed in a three-hour period ending 11 p.m. (2000 GMT).

Many of the drones were intercepted over regions in central Russia. The ministry said 12 had targeted the Russian capital.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, writing on Telegram, said 27 drones had been downed while heading for the city, starting at about 5 p.m.

-Alistair Bell/Reuters

Russia's Defence Ministry said on Thursday its air defence units had downed 220 Ukrainian drones over a nine-hour period, including 24 headed for Moscow.

The latest ministry statement said 53 drones were intercepted and destroyed in a three-hour period ending 11 p.m. (2000 GMT).

Many of the drones were intercepted over regions in central Russia. The ministry said 12 had targeted the Russian capital.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, writing on Telegram, said 27 drones had been downed while heading for the city, starting at about 5 p.m.

-Alistair Bell/Reuters