Thu Jun 26 01:19:31 UTC 2025: ## Russia Claims Drone Defense Success as War Enters Day 1,218
**Moscow, Russia -** Russian air defenses reportedly thwarted multiple drone attacks across several regions on Thursday, as the conflict in Ukraine continues for the 1,218th day. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that two drones were destroyed targeting the capital, leading to temporary flight disruptions at Vnukovo International Airport and other airports along the Volga River.
Regional governors in Voronezh and Bryansk, both bordering Ukraine, reported the destruction of over 40 and seven Ukrainian drones respectively. The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed to have downed 18 drones within a three-hour period across central and southern Russia.
On the ground, Russian forces claimed to have seized control of the settlement of Yalta in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, according to RIA news agency citing the Defence Ministry. These claims are yet to be independently verified.
International pressure on Russia continues to mount. Former US President Donald Trump indicated he would consider providing Ukraine with additional Patriot missiles, while urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to “end that war.”
In Strasbourg, Ukraine and the Council of Europe signed an agreement to establish a special tribunal aimed at prosecuting senior Russian officials for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reiterated the alliance’s “total commitment” to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced that President Putin will not attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Brazil due to the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev intensified rhetoric, declaring the European Union an enemy and opposing Ukraine’s potential membership.
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