Russia’s defence ministry said its air defence systems downed 323 Ukrainian drones overnight, Russian news agencies reported on Wednesday, as both sides intensified strikes.
Russia’s Orenburg region downed drones targeting an industrial facility, the regional governor said, without giving further details on damage or casualties.
The strike adds to a string of Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russian territory, which Kiev says are aimed at facilities funding Moscow’s war effort, including oil depots and refineries.
Power was cut off in Sevastopol, the largest city in Russia-annexed Crimea, after Ukraine struck energy facilities there, Russian-installed governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said on Telegram.
He said nine drones had been intercepted over the city earlier on Wednesday.
Razvozhayev urged residents to check on vulnerable neighbours and limit phone use to emergency communication, accusing Kiev of trying to “sow panic” by depriving civilians of basic services.
Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, is regularly targeted by Ukrainian missile and drone strikes due to its logistical importance to Russian forces.
