The Russia-Ukraine conflict appears to be entering a new phase of drone warfare. According to Russia's Defence Ministry, air defence units intercepted and destroyed around 500 Ukrainian drones over a 24-hour period. If confirmed, it would represent one of the largest drone barrages reported since the start of the war. The claim comes as Ukraine continues expanding long-range drone operations targeting military facilities, logistics hubs and energy infrastructure deep inside Russian territory. While the figure could not be independently verified, it highlights how mass drone attacks are increasingly shaping the battlefield on both sides.