Additional Coverage:
Russia Claims Record-Breaking Drone Interceptions in December Amid Intensified Air War
LONDON – December marked a significant escalation in the aerial conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia’s Defense Ministry reporting a new monthly high in the number of Ukrainian long-range drones shot down. According to data analyzed by ABC News, Moscow claims to have destroyed over 4,300 Ukrainian drones during the month, averaging approximately 141 interceptions daily.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that 4,379 Ukrainian long-range drones were downed in December. While these figures cannot be independently verified and both sides may inflate their successes or exaggerate attacks to bolster narratives, the reported number of intercepted Ukrainian drones significantly increased compared to previous months.
Despite the high number of reported interceptions, the total still remains less than the munitions launched into Ukraine by Russian forces. However, the gap between these figures appears to have narrowed in December.
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 5,307 long-range munitions in December, comprising 5,131 drones and 176 missiles. Of these, Ukrainian forces claim to have shot down or suppressed nearly 81% of drones and around 64% of missiles.
The scale of Russia’s December attacks on Ukraine was consistent with recent months, though slightly lower than the peak recorded in July. In July, Ukraine’s air force documented 6,443 Russian munitions, including 6,245 drones and 198 missiles.
The past year has seen an exponential rise in cross-border long-range strikes from both nations, as combatants aim to disrupt their opponent’s economy and diminish their capacity to sustain the ongoing war. While neither side provides comprehensive data on their own offensive operations or targets, they frequently describe targets as military, energy, or industrial sites, with each accusing the other of intentionally targeting civilian areas.
Both Kyiv and Moscow offer limited daily information regarding their air defense actions. Ukraine’s air force publishes daily tallies of Russian drone and missile strikes, detailing interceptions and impacts. Russia’s Defense Ministry, conversely, only reports figures for Ukrainian drones it claims to have shot down.
December’s reported drone interceptions by Russia surpassed even the most intense months of 2025, a year characterized by the war’s largest barrages. The highest single-day figures reported by Russia were 387 drones on December 24 and 336 on December 11.
Prior to December, October held the record for the most Ukrainian drones reportedly downed, with Moscow claiming 3,641 interceptions at over 117 per day. November saw 3,392 drones downed, averaging 113 daily.
December’s figures represent a 29% increase in reported Ukrainian drones shot down compared to November.
While Russian data may not fully capture Ukraine’s offensive drone activities, the numbers suggest Kyiv’s concerted efforts to expand its drone and missile arsenals, extend their range, and intensify attacks on targets within Russia. Ukraine’s military confirms targets of some long-range strikes, primarily identifying them as military sites or industrial energy facilities.
Over the past year, there has been a notable focus on Russian oil refining and transport infrastructure. December’s claimed Ukrainian targets included oil refineries, tankers, rigs, and pipeline networks.
Ukrainian officials have consistently emphasized the strategic importance of their long-range strike capabilities and their intent to further develop their drone and missile arsenals for deeper strikes into Russia. The majority of Ukrainian strikes are believed to utilize relatively inexpensive, domestically produced drones.
“Our production potential for drones and missiles alone will reach $35 billion next year,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in October. “Despite all the difficulties, Ukrainians are creating their national defense product that, in certain parameters, already surpasses many others in the world.”
Zelenskyy further asserted, “Never before in history has Ukrainian defense been so long-range and so felt by Russia. We must make the cost of war absolutely unacceptable for the aggressor – and we will.”
Russian officials have generally downplayed Ukrainian attacks, often attributing damage or casualties to falling debris from intercepted drones rather than direct hits. However, publicly available evidence, including video footage and photographs, indicates that a significant number of Ukrainian drones successfully penetrate Russian air defenses and impact sensitive military and industrial sites.