Massive Drone Assault on Moscow
Moscow experienced the largest Ukrainian attack since the full-scale war began, with nearly 200 drones targeting locations around the Russian capital. The strikes caused thick columns of smoke to rise high into the sky.
Seventeen individuals were reported wounded in the Moscow region, according to local governor Andrei Vorobyov.
Over a 24-hour period, Russia's defence ministry stated that almost 1,000 drones and four Ukrainian cruise missiles were intercepted and destroyed nationwide. An oil depot in the southern Rostov region was hit, resulting in one fatality.
Statements from Ukrainian Leadership
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv had once again targeted the Moscow region with "long-range sanctions," a term used to describe Ukrainian long-distance strikes on Russian territory.
"It's time to end this war, and Russia must take the necessary steps in diplomacy,"
Zelensky added that the extensive drone strike was a response to the previous week's Russian attack on Kyiv, which caused a major religious landmark to catch fire.
"We don't want this war and have never wanted it," Zelensky said. "But if Ukraine burns, your Moscow will burn too."
Damage and Disruptions in Moscow
Fires erupted after the Kapotnya oil refinery in southeast Moscow was struck for the third time in a month and the second time within the week, turning the sky black with smoke. Numerous videos showed the lid of a large oil storage tank being blown dozens of metres into the air by an explosion.
A nearby shopping centre was also ablaze, reportedly due to drone debris falling on the building. Several residential high-rise buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
Moscow's four airports were temporarily closed, leading to the cancellation or delay of more than 500 flights.
Social Media and Air Defence Challenges
Despite local authorities across Russia prohibiting the publication of images depicting the aftermath of drone strikes, numerous videos surfaced on social media showing drones flying openly during daylight and explosions over industrial zones on Moscow's outskirts.
Ukrainian tactics often involve launching a large number of reconnaissance and decoy drones to assess air defence density and identify vulnerable areas before the main air strikes commence.
Context of the Conflict and Drone Attacks
More than four years after Moscow initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war of attrition continues on the front lines in Ukraine, largely unseen by many in Russia. Kyiv's long-range strikes on targets across Russia, including Moscow and St Petersburg, reflect Zelensky's strategy of "bringing the war home" to ordinary Russians.
Drone attacks on Moscow, located approximately 500 km (310 miles) from the Ukrainian border, have increased in frequency as Kyiv has enhanced its long-range capabilities. Ukraine's first successful drone strikes on the Russian capital occurred in spring 2023, though these were sporadic and involved only a few drones.
Since then, extensive air defence systems have been established around Moscow. However, the number of drones used by Ukraine in attacks has also grown, with some managing to penetrate these defences.
No air defence system can guarantee complete protection against large-scale attacks involving advanced drones. The success rate of intercepting drones that breach defences is very low and carries the risk of anti-missile debris falling to the ground.
Despite these challenges, Thursday's drone barrage is likely to prompt scrutiny regarding the effectiveness of air defence systems protecting critical infrastructure in Moscow.
Russian Response and International Reactions
In retaliation, Russia launched over 200 drones and multiple ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight, according to Kyiv.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was hosting Southeast Asian leaders for a summit in the central city of Kazan, has not publicly commented on the large-scale attack on Moscow.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
"One of the most popular questions asked by Muscovites this morning is 'What is going on?'"
"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."
Additional reporting by Ilya Abishev
