RT quoted the Russian Defense Ministry as reporting the attack and saying that Russian forces had intercepted the UAV involved, but an aircraft at the airbase was still damaged.
"The UAV entered at around 10 a.m. on August 19 (local time). Kiev is behind this terrorist attack in the Novgorod region," the Russian Defense Ministry announced.
The UAV was reportedly spotted by airport staff and then destroyed with small arms fire. A fire broke out at the airport as a result of the attack. The fire was quickly extinguished by firefighters. No one was killed or injured.
Illustration: Sputnik
Several drone attacks have been carried out on Russian territory in recent months. Some UAVs have even been shot down over Moscow. Russia has accused Ukraine of orchestrating the attacks, but Kiev has denied responsibility.
In May, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said it had thwarted a drone attack on a military airport near the central Russian city of Ivanovo.
Last December, several UAVs targeted the Dyagilevo and Engels military airfields, located 500 kilometers and 700 kilometers from Ukrainian territory, respectively. According to local officials, six people were killed on the ground and two aircraft suffered minor damage.
Mr Putin met behind closed doors with General Gerasimov and other senior military commanders. Photo: Kremlin
In another development, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with General Staff chief Valery Gerasimov and other senior military commanders during an unannounced visit to the headquarters of the Southern Military District, the Kremlin said on August 19.
Mr Putin received secret reports from General Gerasimov and senior commanding officers involved in the special military operation in Ukraine.
Russian state media shared a video of the rare visit, showing General Gerasimov welcoming Mr Putin to his headquarters ahead of a closed-door meeting. However, it is not yet clear when the meeting will take place.
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