Moscow Experiences Largest Ukrainian Drone Attack Since War's Outset
Moscow faced its most significant Ukrainian drone assault yet, with nearly 200 drones striking the region, resulting in injuries and extensive damage.
Moscow has endured the largest drone attack from Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale war, as nearly 200 drones targeted areas around the Russian capital, leading to thick columns of smoke rising into the sky.
Seventeen individuals sustained injuries in the Moscow region, as reported by local governor Andrei Vorobyov.
According to the Russian defense ministry, nearly 1,000 drones and four Ukrainian cruise missiles were intercepted and destroyed across the country within a 24-hour period. In the southern Rostov region, an oil depot was hit, resulting in one fatality.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that Kyiv had once again executed what he termed "long-range sanctions," a phrase referring to Ukraine's strikes on Russian soil.
Zelensky emphasized the need to conclude the war, stating that Russia must engage in diplomatic efforts. He noted that the drone strike served as retaliation for a recent Russian attack on Kyiv, which had ignited a significant religious site.
"We don't want this war and have never wanted it," Zelensky stated. "But if Ukraine burns, your Moscow will burn too."
Fires erupted at the Kapotnya refinery in south-east Moscow, marking the third time it has been targeted in a month and the second time this week, casting a black haze over the city. Videos circulated showing an explosion that propelled the lid of an oil storage tank high into the air.
A nearby shopping center also caught fire, reportedly due to drone debris impacting the structure, prompting evacuations of several residential high-rises.
In response to the attacks, Moscow's four airports temporarily closed, resulting in the cancellation or delay of over 500 flights.
Despite local authorities across Russia prohibiting the publication of images depicting the aftermath of the drone strikes, numerous videos surfaced on social media, showcasing drones traversing the daylight sky and explosions occurring over industrial sectors on the outskirts of Moscow.
As the war of attrition continues on the front lines in Ukraine, it remains largely unseen by many ordinary Russians, nearly four and a half years since Moscow's full-scale invasion began.
Ukraine's long-range strikes on Russian targets, including Moscow and St Petersburg, reflect Zelensky's strategy to "bring the war home" to the Russian populace.
Drone assaults on Moscow—approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) from the Ukrainian border—have increased in frequency as Ukraine has enhanced its long-range capabilities. The first successful drone strikes on the Russian capital occurred in the spring of 2023, although they were infrequent and typically involved only a small number of drones.
Since then, extensive air defenses have been established around Moscow; however, the volume of drones used in Ukrainian attacks has surged, with some successfully breaching those defenses.
In retaliation, Russia launched over 200 drones and multiple ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight, according to Kyiv's reports.
While hosting southeast Asian leaders for a summit in Kazan, Vladimir Putin has yet to comment on the large-scale attack targeting the Russian capital.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha posted on X, stating: "One of the most popular questions asked by Muscovites this morning is 'What is going on?'"
He added, "I can answer. Your country started a war of aggression against ours. For years, it has been killing our people. Now that you know what's going on, ask Putin when he is planning to end it."
