In what is being described as one of the largest aerial retaliations by Ukraine since the war began, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that it intercepted 251 Ukrainian drones overnight on October 6, 2025.

The ministry announced on Telegram that its air defense systems “intercepted and destroyed 251 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles” across multiple regions.

Among the areas affected, 40 drones were reportedly shot down over Crimea, the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014, while another 62 drones were neutralized over the Black Sea.

The large-scale drone attack marks a significant escalation in hostilities and showcases Ukraine’s growing use of unmanned aerial systems in its defense strategy. This incident comes over three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Authorities in the affected regions have not yet confirmed any casualties or damages caused by debris from the downed drones.