The Russian Defense Ministry reported the successful operation of air defense forces on the night of September 17-18, during which 54 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were destroyed. The drones attacked several Russian regions, but thanks to the prompt actions of the Russian military, serious destruction and casualties were avoided.

According to data provided by the Ministry of Defense, the largest number of drones were shot down over the Kursk region — 27 devices. Attacks were also repelled in the Bryansk (16 drones), Smolensk (7), Belgorod (3) and Oryol (1) regions. Air defense forces responded promptly to the threat, preventing possible strikes on strategic facilities and civilian infrastructure.