Ukraine and Russia Trade Drone Strikes as Plane Crash Investigation Raises Tensions

Drone attacks intensify in border regions while suspicions grow over Russian involvement in Kazakhstan airliner crash.

Ukraine reports neutralizing 15 Russian drones targeting Mykolaiv, while Russia claims to have intercepted 56 Ukrainian drones in various regions, including Rostov and Belgorod.
Azerbaijan Airlines crash near Aqtau, Kazakhstan, kills 38, with mounting evidence suggesting a Russian air-defense missile may have caused the incident.
U.S. and Azerbaijani officials point to signs that the plane was hit by a Russian Pantsir-S air-defense system, though investigations are ongoing.
The crash has disrupted regional air traffic, with Azerbaijan Airlines suspending flights to several Russian cities, citing safety concerns.
Tensions escalate as Russia and Ukraine continue mutual accusations of drone strikes, with civilian and infrastructure damage reported on both sides.