Massive drone offensive targets southern Russia, disrupting flights and forcing evacuations in Rostov region amid growing pressure to halt war escalation
In a dramatic escalation of cross-border strikes, Russia’s Defence Ministry announced on Wednesday that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 158 Ukrainian drones launched overnight in a coordinated attack targeting southern regions of the country.
The large-scale offensive prompted widespread disruptions in air travel and led to the emergency evacuation of dozens of civilians in the Rostov region. The incident underscores the growing intensity and reach of drone warfare in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, now entering its fourth year.
According to the Russian Defence Ministry, 29 drones were intercepted over the Rostov region, a strategic area bordering eastern Ukraine, while 69 drones were downed over the Krasnodar region in the North Caucasus. An additional 15 drones were reportedly destroyed over North Ossetia–Alania, also located in southern Russia.
The ministry said the drone barrage appeared designed to target infrastructure and military assets in the southern part of the country, though it claimed that most of the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were neutralized before reaching their intended targets.
Evacuations Ordered in Aksay
In one of the most serious outcomes of the attack, residents from 48 apartments in an apartment complex in Aksay, a town within the Rostov region, were temporarily evacuated. Acting regional governor Yury Slyusar confirmed the evacuation on Telegram, citing the threat of a potential detonation from a fallen drone as the reason for the precautionary action.
“There are no immediate reports of injuries,” Slyusar wrote. “However, residents were evacuated to ensure safety as emergency services assess the situation.”
Local emergency response teams have been deployed to assess the debris and inspect for unexploded ordnance or damage to critical infrastructure.
Airports Temporarily Closed
Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, issued temporary flight suspensions early Wednesday at multiple airports in the southern regions, citing safety concerns amid the drone offensive. Although the full list of affected airports was not released, sources indicated that air traffic in cities like Rostov-on-Don and Krasnodar experienced delays and diversions.
By midday, some of the airports had resumed limited operations, but aviation officials warned of potential further disruptions should additional attacks occur.
Ukraine Yet to Comment
As of the time of publication, Ukrainian officials had not issued an official statement about the overnight drone offensive. However, the pattern of strikes aligns with Kyiv’s recent strategy of using long-range drones to strike deep into Russian territory, particularly targeting logistical hubs, fuel depots, and military airfields.
In previous statements, Ukrainian military leaders have characterized such operations as legitimate countermeasures to Russia’s continued missile and drone bombardments of Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure.
Strategic Shift Toward Infrastructure Warfare
Both Ukraine and Russia have increasingly shifted their focus to infrastructure warfare, using drones and long-range missiles to cripple each other’s energy grids, transportation lines, and military logistics.
Analysts suggest that the latest drone offensive could be part of a broader Ukrainian campaign aimed at disrupting Russian supply chains in the lead-up to expected spring offensives on the battlefield.
“This kind of scale and geographic breadth in drone strikes signals a new phase in Ukraine’s asymmetric warfare strategy,” said Dmitry Frolov, a Russian security analyst based in Moscow. “It’s not just about hitting military targets—it’s about creating instability in the civilian space as well.”
International Response and Ceasefire Talks
The overnight attack comes at a sensitive time, as international actors ramp up efforts to bring both parties to the negotiating table. In late March, the United States announced that it had brokered two ceasefire proposals with both Moscow and Kyiv. One of the proposals reportedly included a ban on targeting each other’s energy infrastructure, though it remains unclear whether any agreement has been officially enacted.
US President Donald Trump, who took office in January with a promise to end the war “within 24 hours,” has made ceasefire negotiations a cornerstone of his foreign policy agenda. While both Russia and Ukraine have confirmed participation in preliminary talks, a final settlement remains elusive.
“Today’s drone attacks—and any response they might trigger—risk unraveling weeks of behind-the-scenes diplomacy,” said Elena Kovalenko, a conflict resolution expert at the Carnegie Endowment. “Every strike makes a peace deal harder to reach.”
A War with No Clear End
More than three years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the war has ground into a punishing stalemate. Both nations have suffered tens of thousands of casualties and widespread infrastructure damage. The use of drones has emerged as a critical—and controversial—tactic on both sides, raising concerns about civilian safety and the expansion of the battlefield beyond traditional frontlines.
Despite calls for restraint, neither side appears willing to halt offensive operations unilaterally. Ukrainian officials argue that without sustained pressure, Russia will continue its campaign of occupation and bombardment. Russian leaders, meanwhile, frame the conflict as a necessary measure to counter Western influence and secure national interests.
Looking Ahead
With little sign of de-escalation and renewed drone warfare escalating tensions, the prospect of a negotiated peace appears increasingly fragile. If ceasefire proposals are to gain traction, observers say, both sides will need to refrain from attacking critical civilian infrastructure and demonstrate genuine commitment to dialogue.
In the meantime, southern Russian regions remain on high alert, as military authorities brace for the possibility of additional attacks.
