In an unusual incident, Russia shot down its own military aircraft over Crimea during an operation to intercept Ukrainian drones, according to statements from the spokesperson of the Ukrainian Navy, Dmitro Pletenchuk. This incident occurred in the context of a Ukrainian attack targeting a facility near the Gvardeiskoie airbase, causing fires at an oil depot.
The Russian administration in Sevastopol has not commented on the attack, while cities in Russia, such as Sochi, have been attacked by drones, and the mayor confirmed that air defense systems repelled the attacks. Additionally, the Ukrainian army continues to target military infrastructure in the occupied territories and within Russia, aiming to diminish Moscow's combat capability. On the night of October 16, Ukrainian drones also struck an oil refinery in the Saratov region, and an electrical substation in Volgograd was also affected. Ukrainian authorities have not commented on these attacks, and the information has not been independently verified.