Russia Day provided the backdrop for Putin's announcement of creating drone forces as a separate military branch, claiming drones now destroy up to 50% of Ukrainian equipment. State media reported air defenses intercepted 52 Ukrainian drones overnight while emphasizing Putin's claim that 80,000 aerial targets have been destroyed since the conflict began.
The third prisoner exchange in a week continued the pattern established on previous days, with the Defense Ministry stating readiness for daily swaps while accusing Kiev of being unprepared. A plane carrying returned Russian prisoners landed in Moscow region by evening.
International coverage focused heavily on an Air India Boeing crash in Ahmedabad with over 310 fatalities, providing extensive video footage throughout the day. US Secretary of State Rubio's Russia Day congratulations drew positive Kremlin response, while Dubai's Burj Khalifa displayed Russian tricolor colors for the holiday. Putin conducted ceremonial awards for Heroes of Labor while meeting with "Time of Heroes" program participants.