Russia Downs 41 Ukrainian Drones In Four Hours; Alleges Targeted Civilian Attacks

Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported on Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 41 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions in under four hours.

According to the ministry, the drones were neutralised between 8:00 PM and 11:25 PM (Moscow time) by on-duty defence units.

Earlier, on Thursday, Russia accused Ukraine of deliberate attacks targeting civilians through drone and artillery strikes.

The Russian government claimed that seven people were killed and over 120 injured, including 11 minors, during the past week of hostilities.

Russian Foreign Ministry Details Civilian Casualties

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova provided a detailed account of recent incidents allegedly involving Ukrainian drone strikes:

• On July 16, a woman died when a drone struck a private home in Smorodino village.
• In Novostroevka-Pervaya, a drone hit a combine harvester in a field, injuring the driver.
• In Pritsepilovka and Novaya Tavolzhanka, three people were wounded in separate drone attacks.

Between July 17 and 22, drones reportedly targeted five civilian vehicles, killing one person and injuring six. On July 20, two people were wounded in Shebekino city, and another woman sustained injuries in Togobiyevka village.

On July 22, a shell destroyed a residential building in Ilek-Penkovka, injuring a woman and two teenagers.

Russia Condemns Attacks on Non-Combatants

Zakharova condemned the attacks, claiming that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are intentionally targeting unarmed Russian civilians. She emphasised that those affected were engaged in normal activities when the strikes occurred.

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