Rocket Calm Following New Russian Nuclear Doctrine as Air Defense Down 44 Ukrainian Drones

Title: Russia Intercepts 44 Ukrainian Drones Amid Nuclear Doctrine Changes

On November 20, 2024, Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced that Russian air defense forces shot down 44 Ukrainian drones across nine Russian regions. According to officials, damage occurred in some areas, but no casualties were reported.

The drones were flying over regions including Bryansk, Smolensk, Kursk, Oryol, Rostov, and even Moscow. Ukrainian news agency UNIAN cited Russian military sources for this information.

Additionally, Russian media reported that six more drones were destroyed over Samara region on the same morning, without causing any damage or injuries, as stated by Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev.

In Voronezh region, Governor Alexander Gusev reported that Ukrainian forces targeted a factory that only produces civilian goods, leading to a fire. The Ministry of Defense also mentioned a record number of drones intercepted in the border areas of Bryansk and Kursk. Reports indicated that drones from Ukraine were intercepted by Russian air defense in Rostov and Kaluga regions, as per Reuters and BTA.

Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov of Belgorod stated that several drones were downed there, with no injuries reported. However, debris from the drones caused damage to a factory, infrastructure, and power lines in Alexeyevka.

Russia claimed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted their first strikes using American ATACMS missiles the night of November 19. The strikes targeted a military site near the town of Karachev in Bryansk region. Russia’s military reported shooting down five of the missiles and damaging one, with debris causing a fire that was quickly contained. No casualties or significant damage were reported following the attack.

Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, announced that the hot line between the Kremlin and the White House has not been used since February 2022. This communication line was established after the Cuban Missile Crisis. Peskov noted that the last conversation between President Putin and President Biden took place on February 12, 2022, lasting over an hour, focusing on Ukraine and bilateral relations.

Furthermore, South Korea reported that North Korean soldiers have participated in combat against Ukrainian forces as part of Russia’s airborne troops. Approximately 10,900 North Koreans are said to be stationed in Russia’s Kursk region. North Korea has also sent additional weapons to Russia for the conflict in Ukraine, including howitzers and missile systems, revealing a concerning level of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.