Ukrainian drones attack Russia, causing fires and destruction

On a recent Sunday, over 100 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and shot down by Russian forces, marking one of the largest drone barrages since the onset of the conflict in February 2022. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the downing of 125 drones across seven regions, including Voronezh and Rostov, where falling debris caused damage to residential buildings and sparked wildfires. The Voronezh region experienced significant damage, with images showing flames engulfing a high-rise apartment. In Rostov, emergency services battled a wildfire that consumed 20 hectares of forest, although officials stated it posed no threat to populated areas. In response to the drone attacks, Ukrainian military leaders indicated that Russia might be preparing for a new offensive in the southern region of Ukraine, particularly around Zaporizhzhia. This city was targeted by Russian aerial bombings, resulting in injuries to civilians and damage to infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that residential buildings were affected, and emergency services were actively engaged in rescue operations. The ongoing conflict has seen Ukraine increasingly utilizing drone technology to target military infrastructure within Russia, including a recent strike on an ammunition warehouse believed to store Iranian missiles. This escalation in drone warfare highlights the evolving tactics employed by both sides in the conflict. As the situation develops, the potential for further military offensives and retaliatory strikes remains high, with both nations preparing for continued hostilities in the region.