MOSCOW

Russia’s Defense Ministry said Tuesday that 69 Ukrainian drones and 13 HIMARS rockets were shot down over the past day.

Ukrainian troops continued attempts to storm Russian positions and Russian forces repelled six Ukrainian attacks in the Kupyansk area.

All assault attempts were repelled, with Russian forces destroying several pieces of heavy military equipment including two German-made Leopard 2 tanks, it said.

Ukraine also shelled several Russian border regions including Bryansk and Belgorod, resulting in the destruction of a number of private houses and service facilities, according to the ministry.

Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022.