Massive Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Moscow and Nearby Areas
In one of the largest drone attacks since the start of the Ukraine-Russia war, over 140 Ukrainian drones targeted multiple regions in Russia overnight. The assault, which struck Moscow and surrounding areas, resulted in one death, injuries, and widespread disruption.
Drone Strike Kills One and Injures Eight in Moscow Region
The most tragic outcome occurred in the town of Ramenskoye, just outside Moscow. Drones hit two multistory residential buildings, causing fires and debris to fall. Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov confirmed that a woman was killed and five buildings had to be evacuated as a result of the damage. Eight people were also reported injured.
Airports Shut Down Amidst the Chaos
As the drone strikes intensified, authorities took action by shutting down three major airports near Moscow—Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky. These closures forced the diversion of 48 flights to other airports. While Vnukovo and Domodedovo, Russia’s second and third busiest airports, reopened in the morning, Zhukovsky remained closed as officials cleared drone debris from the area.
Second Massive Drone Attack in September
This assault marks the second large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on Russia this month. On September 1, Russian forces claimed they intercepted 158 drones across several regions in what was described as the biggest barrage since the war began. In response, Russia’s Investigative Committee launched a criminal investigation, labeling these strikes as acts of terrorism.
Ukraine Faces Relentless Russian Attacks
While Ukraine has increasingly deployed drones to slow Russia’s advances, Russia has not let up in its own attacks. Since the conflict began in 2022, Russia has bombarded Ukraine with missiles, bombs, and its own drones. The United Nations estimates that these strikes have killed over 10,000 Ukrainian civilians.
Just last night, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 46 Shahed drones and two missiles targeting Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepted 36 of the drones.
Ukraine’s Growing Drone Arsenal
Ukraine has heavily invested in its domestic drone production, extending their range and payload to disrupt Russian operations. Drone blitzes have become a strategic tool for Ukraine to hinder Russia’s war machine and provoke instability within Russia itself.
However, Ukrainian officials continue to express frustration over the delayed arrival of military support from Western allies. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged defense companies to ramp up production to meet the country’s urgent military needs.
Fierce Battles on the Front Lines
On the battlefield, Ukraine continues to face stiff resistance from Russia’s larger and better-equipped forces, particularly along the 1,000-kilometer front line. Intense fighting is focused in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, where both sides are battling over towns and villages left in ruins by continuous shelling.
Despite the challenges, Ukraine has carried out bold operations, including an incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region last month.
Drone Debris Hits Moscow, But Air Defenses Hold
In Moscow itself, the overnight attack saw drone debris falling on a private house, but no injuries were reported. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that over a dozen drones were headed toward the city but were intercepted by air defenses before they could cause more significant damage.
Russia’s Expanding Military Alliances
As the war drags on, Russian President Vladimir Putin is actively expanding his military partnerships. On Tuesday, Russia began massive naval and air drills involving more than 90,000 troops and 400 warships, with China also participating in the exercises. Additionally, Western intelligence reported that Russia has received ballistic missiles from Iran, further strengthening its military capabilities.
A City Under Attack
Moscow and its surrounding areas have been no stranger to attacks during the conflict. In May 2023, Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted the Kremlin, causing minor damage to the roof of the palace. And in August, a drone strike on Moscow’s business district shattered windows on a high-rise building, shaking the city’s residents and exposing vulnerabilities in its air defenses.