In one of the largest drone assaults in recent months, Russia claimed on Tuesday (July 15, 2025) that it had destroyed 55 Ukrainian drones overnight targeting its southwestern regions of Lipetsk and Voronezh. The Ministry of Defence said the attack was successfully repelled using electronic warfare systems and air defences.

According to regional governors, several civilians were injured and multiple houses and non-residential buildings were damaged, particularly in Lipetsk, a strategically vital area that houses a major air base used for training the Russian Aerospace Forces.

The Ukrainian government has not officially commented on the drone strikes, but the offensive is seen as part of Kyiv’s intensified campaign to disrupt military infrastructure deep inside Russian territory.

Russian media reported shattered windows, damaged rooftops, and debris scattered across neighborhoods. Emergency services were deployed across both regions to assess the damage and aid the injured.

The attack underscores the growing use of low-cost, long-range drones by Ukraine to pressure Russia beyond the frontlines, raising concerns of further escalation.