The Russian Defense Ministry said that air defense forces shot down 13 long-range UAVs launched by Ukraine in Rostov province on the night of September 1 and early morning of September 2. Local authorities confirmed that many others still passed through and caused damage to Russia.
Yury Slyusar, acting Governor of Rostov province, said two high-rise buildings in the Leventsovsky sub-region in the city of Rostov-on-Don caught fire. Three people, including a child, suffered minor injuries. An unplugged UAV was discovered in a resident's apartment, forcing about 320 people to evacuate. According to Alexandr Skryabin, Rostov-on-Don Mayor, people are temporarily being evacuated to a school pending handling of the situation.
While Russia accused Ukraine of attacking Rostov, Kiev also reported many airstrikes from Russia. The Ukrainian Air Force Command said Russia launched about 150 Geran UAVs and trapping aircraft. The air defense force shot or disabled 120 units, the rest hit 9 locations, and debris fell on 5 areas.
Meanwhile, Russia has not released details about the extent of damage caused by the Ukrainian airstrikes. Both sides have repeatedly affirmed that they are only targeting military targets, but in reality, civil facilities are often affected.
The back-and-forth attacks occurred at the same time as Russian President Vladimir Putin's trip to China, where he was scheduled to attend a parade on September 3 with General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
