Russia has announced one of its largest single-day air defense successes of the Ukraine war, claiming its forces intercepted four UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles and 119 Ukrainian drones over a 24-hour period. The announcement came as part of the Russian Ministry of Defence’s latest daily briefing on military operations in Ukraine, released on November 20.
The claims accompany reports of continued Russian advances on the ground, including the capture of a settlement in the Zaporizhzhia region and strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure.
Record Interceptions Reported
According to the Russian Defence Ministry, air defense units shot down:
4 Storm Shadow cruise missiles
119 unmanned aerial vehicles
Several HIMARS-launched rockets
The alleged interceptions would mark one of the highest single-day tallies of Storm Shadows since Ukraine began using the long-range missiles supplied by the United Kingdom and France in 2023.
Storm Shadow—also known as SCALP in French service—has been one of Ukraine’s most effective deep-strike capabilities. The missile, with a range exceeding 250 kilometers, is designed to evade radar by flying at low altitudes. Ukrainian forces have used it to target Russian logistics hubs, command centers, and infrastructure.
Moscow claims that its upgraded layered air defense systems—including the S-400 Triumf, Pantsir-S, and Buk-M3—are increasingly effective in countering Western-supplied missiles and Ukraine’s expanding drone fleet.
Strikes on Energy Infrastructure and HIMARS Units
Alongside the air defense claims, Russia reported precision strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities said to be supporting military operations, including power infrastructure allegedly used for drone production and communications.
The Russian MoD also claimed the destruction of two U.S.-supplied HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems, although this could not be independently verified. Ukraine rarely discloses losses of Western equipment, and previous Russian statements regarding HIMARS have been met with skepticism by Western analysts.
Russian forces also reported attacks on over 146 Ukrainian districts, targeting ammunition depots, drone sites, and logistic hubs.
Russian Ground Forces Claim Capture of Veseloye
In Zaporizhzhia, Russian forces say they have captured the settlement of Veseloye. The operation reportedly involved assault detachments from the 114th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 127th Division, part of the 5th Combined Arms Army.
The MoD stated that the advance brought more than 15 square kilometers under Russian control and marked the fifth settlement secured by the regiment since early November. Veseloye lies near the frontline city of Huliaipole, a long-contested area where Russia has attempted to push Ukrainian forces back from key logistical positions.
Pro-Russian channels claimed Ukrainian units withdrew from positions amid heavy pressure, though there has been no confirmation from Kyiv.
Situation on Other Fronts
Russia reported repelling multiple Ukrainian counterattacks northwest of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, an area of heightened strategic importance due to ongoing Russian attempts to encircle the city.
The MoD claimed Ukraine suffered significant manpower losses over the past several weeks, though casualty figures from both sides remain difficult to verify independently and are often contested.
Ukrainian officials have not issued statements responding to the Russian claims.
Fourth Year of War Sees Intensified Strikes
The developments come as the conflict approaches its fourth winter, with both sides intensifying long-range strikes. Ukraine has relied increasingly on drones and precision missiles amid ammunition shortages and delays in Western military assistance.
Russia, meanwhile, continues its strategy of incremental advances backed by extensive artillery, drone warfare, and strikes on Ukraine’s energy and defense industries.
Independent monitoring groups, including the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), have confirmed limited but steady Russian gains in several sectors, though analysts note the high cost in casualties and equipment.
Diplomatic Context
The claims emerge amid reports of renewed quiet diplomatic contacts between Washington and Moscow regarding possible frameworks for a future settlement. However, with both militaries engaged in intensified operations, the prospects for immediate progress remain uncertain.
Neither the United Kingdom nor Ukraine has commented publicly on the alleged interception of four Storm Shadow missiles.
As winter approaches, military analysts expect continued escalation in strikes on infrastructure and logistics, potentially reshaping the battlefield in the weeks ahead.
