Moscow Repels Massive Drone Attack as Ukraine Intensifies Offensive on Russian Soil
Staff Editor Moscow Targeted in Largest Drone Attack to Date, Russian Officials Claim
In what Moscow’s mayor described as one of the most significant drone attacks on the Russian capital to date, Ukrainian forces launched a substantial aerial assault early Tuesday morning. Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted and destroyed at least 10 drones aimed at Moscow, with some neutralized over Podolsk, a city located 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin.
Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that no injuries or damage resulted from the attack. While Ukraine has previously conducted smaller-scale drone operations targeting Moscow, this recent offensive appears to surpass the magnitude of a similar incident in May 2023, which involved at least eight drones.
The assault on Moscow was part of a broader Ukrainian drone offensive across multiple Russian regions. In the Bryansk region, Russian air defenses reportedly destroyed 18 drones, while additional unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles were intercepted in other areas. The Tula region, bordering Moscow, saw two drones neutralized, and in the Rostov region, a Ukraine-launched missile was reportedly destroyed without causing injuries.
It is worth noting that Russian officials typically do not disclose the full extent of drone attacks, often only reporting those successfully intercepted by air defenses. Both Ukraine and Russia rarely reveal comprehensive damage assessments unless civilian infrastructure or casualties are involved.
As tensions continue to escalate, Kyiv has intensified its air attacks on Russian territory, targeting infrastructure deemed critical to Moscow’s war efforts. Ukrainian officials maintain that these operations are in response to ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian soil.
At the time of reporting, there has been no immediate comment from Ukraine regarding the attacks. Reuters has not been able to independently verify the claims made by Russian officials.
This latest development marks a significant escalation in the conflict, as Ukraine demonstrates its capability to strike deep within Russian territory. The incident is likely to heighten concerns about the potential for further cross-border attacks and may impact the strategic calculations of both sides in the ongoing war.
