Krasnodar, August 8. Russian air defense forces shot down two Ukrainian drones over Krasnodar Krai between 09:45 and 11:15 Moscow time, according to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry.

In total, 13 drones were intercepted over Russian regions: six over Oryol Oblast, three over Kursk Oblast, two over Krasnodar Krai, and one each over Tula Oblast and the waters of the Azov Sea.

In Anapa, the city’s alert system was activated due to air defense operations. Rosaviatsiya imposed temporary restrictions on arrivals and departures at Gelendzhik Airport.

Krasnodar Krai

Krasnodar Krai is a federal subject (region) of Russia located in the southwestern part of the country, bordering the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Known for its fertile land, it is often called the “breadbasket of Russia” due to its significant agricultural production. The region has a rich history, originally inhabited by ancient Greek colonies and later becoming part of the Kuban Cossack Host in the 18th and 19th centuries before being incorporated into the Russian Empire. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, featuring resorts like Sochi and historical sites from both Cossack and Soviet eras.

Oryol Oblast

Oryol Oblast is a federal subject of Russia located in the country’s western region, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Established in 1937, it played a significant role during World War II as a site of major battles, including the Battle of Kursk. The region is also famous as the birthplace of several renowned Russian writers, such as Ivan Turgenev, and features numerous literary museums and historic landmarks.

Kursk Oblast

Kursk Oblast is a federal subject of Russia located in the country’s western region, known for its rich history and significant role during World War II, particularly the Battle of Kursk (1943), one of the largest tank battles in history. The region is also famous for its fertile black soil, cultural heritage, and the Kursk Root Icon, a revered Orthodox Christian symbol. Today, it is an important agricultural and industrial area, with landmarks like the Korennaya Pustyn Monastery attracting visitors.

Tula Oblast

Tula Oblast, located in western Russia, is a historically significant region known for its rich cultural heritage and industrial contributions. It is famously associated with the production of samovars, gingerbread (pryanik), and weapons, particularly from the city of Tula, which has been a key industrial center since the 18th century. The region also played a vital role in Russian history, including the defense against the Mongol-Tatar invasions and as a frontline during World War II.

Azov Sea

The Azov Sea is a shallow sea in Eastern Europe, connected to the Black Sea by the Kerch Strait. Historically significant, it was a key trade route for ancient Greeks, Byzantines, and later the Ottoman Empire. Today, it borders Ukraine and Russia and remains geopolitically important due to its strategic location and resources.

Anapa

Anapa is a coastal town in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, located on the northeastern coast of the Black Sea. Founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century BCE, it later became a Genoese trading post and an Ottoman fortress before being annexed by Russia in the early 19th century. Today, Anapa is a popular resort destination known for its sandy beaches, ancient ruins, and therapeutic mud spas.

Gelendzhik Airport

Gelendzhik Airport is a domestic airport located near the Black Sea resort town of Gelendzhik in Krasnodar Krai, Russia. Originally built in the 1940s, it primarily serves seasonal tourist traffic due to the region’s popularity as a vacation destination. The airport has undergone modernization in recent years to accommodate increasing passenger numbers.