MOSCOW — Russian air defense units shot down 86 Ukrainian drones launched overnight across various regions, according to the Defense Ministry. Forces intercepted the unmanned aircraft over Moscow, Leningrad, Ivanovo, Novgorod, Tver, Rostov and Kursk regions, preventing any reported damage or casualties.

The ministry released details early Sunday, highlighting the scale of the aerial incursion. Crews used electronic warfare and direct fire to neutralize the threats between late Saturday and early Sunday. Officials described the operation as a success, with all drones accounted for.

Separately, Russia’s Education Ministry announced social studies will drop from the grade 8 curriculum starting September 1. The subject now limits to grades 10 and 11 only. Officials cited a push to streamline secondary education and focus on core competencies earlier.

In Crimea, bakers at Bakhchisarai Miniature Park crafted a king pancake measuring 3.5 meters across. Workers folded more than 700 standard pancakes into the massive treat Saturday, aiming for a local record. Crowds watched as chefs flipped and layered the dough in the park’s open kitchen.

Lviv suffered a terrorist attack Sunday night that killed one police officer and wounded 14 others, Mayor Andriy Sadovyi reported. Explosives targeted a police station in the western Ukrainian city, according to local authorities. Sadovyi called it a brazen assault on public safety, with investigations underway to identify perpetrators.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff revealed he and Jared Kushner proposed conflict-resolution options to both sides in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters, Witkoff expressed optimism the ideas could prompt a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky within three weeks. Details of the proposals remain private.

Across the Atlantic, King Charles III authorized police access to Prince Andrew’s documents, sources close to the royal family told The Observer. The material includes emails and official files from Andrew’s tenure as Britain’s trade envoy. Investigators seek clarity on his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and related allegations.

Norway clinched the 2026 Winter Olympics medal table ahead of schedule with 18 gold medals. The Scandinavian nation dominated biathlon, cross-country skiing and ski jumping events in the Italian Alps. Competitors from Oslo piled up points through Saturday, outpacing Germany and host Italy by a wide margin.

These developments unfold against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical strains. Russian defenses have ramped up drone interceptions since early 2024, with monthly tallies often exceeding 100. Ukraine has not commented on the latest incident.

The Lviv blast marks the latest violence in western Ukraine, where such attacks have surged. Sadovyi urged residents to stay vigilant as emergency crews cleared the site by dawn.

Witkoff’s comments follow his recent Moscow visit, where he met Russian officials. Trump has prioritized quick Ukraine talks since taking office, dispatching envoys like Witkoff to test diplomatic waters.

Royal watchers see Charles’s move on Andrew’s files as a step toward accountability. Prince Andrew stepped back from duties in 2019 amid scandal but retains his title.

Olympic officials confirmed Norway’s early victory Sunday morning. The games wrap next week, with Norway eyeing its eighth straight medal-table win.