Rostov and Taganrog ablaze: Russian locals report Lyutyi drone strikes

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that between 9:00 PM and 11:40 PM Moscow time on July 22, Russian air defenses destroyed 51 Ukrainian drones over several regions of the country.

At the same time, an air raid alert was declared in Russia’s Kursk, Bryansk, Rostov, Oryol, Kaluga, Tula, and Lipetsk regions due to the drone threat.

The areas most affected were the outskirts of Rostov-on-Don and Taganrog, where local residents reported hearing the sounds of drones and a series of explosions.

According to eyewitnesses, between two and five explosions were heard in the suburbs of Rostov, while in Taganrog there were at least five blasts, accompanied by the distinct sound of engines overhead. Flashes were also observed in the sky in some areas.

Preliminary reports suggest that Russian air defense systems opened fire on Ukrainian drones flying at low altitudes.

As of now, the Russian authorities have not released any official information on casualties or damage.

The Liutyi-type drones referenced are a new type of Ukrainian-made strike UAVs actively used for deep raids on enemy rear targets. Drone attacks on Russian cities, particularly in border and southern regions, have become frequent in recent months, forming part of Ukraine’s strategy to wear down Russian air defenses and create disruption in the rear.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to hold the front under intense air and drone attacks along all directions. In the past 24 hours alone, 131 combat engagements were reported along the frontline, with Russia launching one missile strike and 51 airstrikes, using 66 guided bombs.

Additionally, 1,218 kamikaze drones and 4,094 artillery attacks were recorded against Ukrainian positions and settlements.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated that Russian forces have fallen significantly behind their planned summer offensive.