Ukraine Unleashes Over 100 Drones in Major Assault on Western Russia

Oct. 20 (UPI) -- The Kremlin announced that its air defense systems successfully intercepted over 100 Ukrainian drones in a large-scale overnight attack, claiming all 110 drones were downed. Meanwhile, Kyiv reported successful strikes on critical military infrastructure, notably a munitions plant and a military airfield in western Russia, marking one of Ukraine's largest assaults in the ongoing conflict.

The Ministry of Defense of Moscow stated that drones were downed across several regions: 43 over Kursk, 27 over Lipetsk, 18 over Oryol, 8 over Nizhny Novgorod, 7 over Belgorod, 6 over Bryansk, and 1 over Moscow. Notably, the assault allegedly targeted the Sverdlov Plant in Dzerzhinsk, which is under U.S. and EU sanctions for producing military supplies.

Four employees from the plant reported minor injuries but were treated and released. Ukraine's Armed Forces confirmed strikes at both the Dzerzhinsk plant, which stores guided bombs, and the Lipetsk airfield, focusing on fuel and ammunition depots.

Local authorities reported no significant damage or casualties from the Russian side. The situation escalated further as Russia retaliated with attacks on central Ukraine, injuring at least 17 individuals in Kryvyi Rih.

President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for enhanced capabilities to counter the Iranian drones used by Russia, which have been a critical element of the Kremlin's military strategy. He highlighted that over 6,130 Iranian-made drones had been launched against Ukraine this year alone.