Russia downs 1,951 drones and 8 cruise missiles in Kyiv's large-scale attack

Russia's Defense Ministry announced Sunday that Kyiv attempted a large-scale attack on Russian territory on September 19-20, claiming to have shot down 1,951 drones and eight cruise missiles. The ministry said the attack aimed to disrupt Russia's democratic electoral process. According to the ministry's statement, Russian air defense forces, mobile fire groups, and combat aviation crews intercepted the drones and long-range cruise missiles across multiple regions. One additional cruise missile deviated from its course and fell in an uninhabited area, while all "Flamingo" missiles targeting Moscow were destroyed. The announcement came on the final day of Russia's State Duma elections, held September 18-20. Russian Foreign Ministry special envoy Rodion Miroshnik had previously reported "serious escalation from Kyiv" during the election period, noting direct targeting of areas where voting was taking place.