Russia reports downing 146 Ukrainian drones over Leningrad region

Russia's Defense Ministry stated that air defense systems intercepted 146 unmanned aerial vehicles over the Leningrad region, which borders Finland and lies northwest of St. Petersburg. The claim, which could not be independently verified, reflects the ongoing aerial campaign by Ukrainian forces targeting Russian territory since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Attacks were also reported across multiple sectors of the front line in the Donbas, the eastern Ukrainian region partially controlled by Russian forces. The intensified military operations underscore the continuation of active combat despite ongoing diplomatic initiatives.

US-mediated negotiations were proceeding in Abu Dhabi as part of broader international efforts to address the nearly two-year conflict. Details of the talks remain limited, though diplomacy and military operations have continued in parallel throughout the war.

Neither side has achieved a decisive advantage in recent months, with the conflict characterized by grinding positional warfare in the east and Ukrainian strikes deep within Russian territory using drone technology and long-range weapons.