**Russia’s Air Defenses Thwart 158 Ukrainian Drones in Overnight Attack**
In a coordinated effort, Russian air defenses intercepted 158 Ukrainian drones across occupied Crimea and several regions overnight on April 9. The attacks targeted military airfields, industrial infrastructure, and other strategic sites.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the drone attacks were repelled in various regions, including North Ossetia, which is located over 1,000 kilometers from Ukraine’s border. The ministry claimed that there were no casualties or visible damage, but regional authorities did acknowledge a drone attack alert had been implemented.
**Drone Targets Military Airfield in North Ossetia**
One of the most significant attacks was reported at the Mozdok airfield in North Ossetia, where MiG-31K carriers of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles are deployed. Independent Telegram channel Astra reported that drones targeted the military airfield, and social media posts showed images of smoke rising near the area.
However, Russian authorities did not acknowledge any strike on the Mozdok airfield itself, instead claiming that air defenses “repelled” the attack in the Mozdok district.
**Other Regions Affected**
Explosions were also reported in several other regions, including Taganrog in Rostov Oblast, Tikhoretsk, Sloviansk-on-Kuban, Krymsk, Saratov, and Engels. The airports of Vladikavkaz and Grozny, the capitals of Russia’s republics of North Ossetia and Chechnya, were reportedly closed due to the attack.
**Ukrainian Military Response**
The Ukrainian military has yet to comment on the attacks, but Kyiv has regularly used long-range drones to target Russian military and industrial infrastructure deep behind the front lines. On March 20, the Ukrainian military confirmed that a successful drone strike had hit the Engels-2 airbase in Saratov Oblast.
**Analysis**
The recent drone attacks demonstrate Ukraine’s ability to adapt its military strategy and target Russia’s vital infrastructure from afar. The use of drones has become increasingly important for Kyiv as it seeks to disrupt Russian supply chains and weaken their military capabilities.
As the conflict continues, the role of long-range drones is likely to remain a crucial aspect of Ukraine’s military strategy. Their ability to strike deep within Russian territory highlights the importance of air defense systems in deterring such attacks.
**Commentary**
The recent drone attacks have sparked discussions about the effectiveness of Russia’s air defenses and the potential for further Ukrainian strikes. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, it is essential to monitor developments closely.
In the meantime, international attention remains focused on Russia’s actions in Bucha and other areas where extensively documented crimes have been committed. The European Commission’s efforts to halt imports from Russia and Belarus are aimed at limiting revenue flowing to Moscow’s war effort.
As we continue to follow this evolving situation, one thing is clear: the conflict between Ukraine and Russia will likely remain a defining issue for global politics in the coming months.
