By The newspaper
22 Sep 2023, 01:47 AM EDT
Recent reports from Moscow have revealed a series of incidents involving the downing of Ukrainian drones over the annexed Crimea region and parts of western Russia.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has confirmed the destruction of 19 Ukrainian drones, marking a significant advance in current tensions in the area, according to The Moscow Times.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced this Thursday that its air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed 19 Ukrainian drones. These incidents occurred over the Black Sea and the territory of the Republic of Crimea.
Naturally, the downing of these drones has raised concerns and further increased tensions in the region.
Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Kremlin-appointed governor of Sevastopol, emphasized that while air defense systems were active in the region, no drone incidents were reported near the city of Sevastopol, where the Russian Black Sea Fleet is located.
He clarified, according to The Moscow Times, that the air defense measures were in place for the broader Crimea region, which operates separately from the city.
“In Sevastopol all services are on alert and the air situation is monitored,” Razvozhayev assured the public.
Oleg Kryuchkov, an adviser to Kremlin-installed governor of annexed Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, issued a notice to residents, urging them to remain calm in light of the drone activity.
“If you hear the noise of a drone or air defense system, stay away from the windows. Official information will come later,” Kriuchkov said on Telegram.
Drone attacks in western Russia
In addition to the incidents in Crimea, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that three drone attacks had been “thwarted” in the Kursk, Belgorod and Oryol regions, all located in the western part of Russia.
These reports underscore the growing wave of drone attacks Russia has faced since Ukraine launched its counteroffensive in early June.
Russian officials have consistently tried to downplay the importance of these drone attacks, despite their increasing frequency. The situation remains dynamic and tensions in the region continue to rise.
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