Massive Drone Attack: Russia Reports Downing Nearly 160 Ukrainian Drones
Introduction
In a significant escalation of conflict, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced early Sunday that its air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed nearly 160 Ukrainian drones across 15 regions, including two over Moscow. This marks one of the largest coordinated drone attacks on Russian territory since the war began.
Defense Ministry’s Statement
According to an official statement from Russia’s Defense Ministry, the drones were launched by Ukraine in what they described as a “terrorist attack” targeting Russian territory. The Ministry reported that their air defense systems were on high alert and managed to destroy 158 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones throughout the night. The majority of these drones were intercepted in the border regions of Kursk, Bryansk, Voronezh, and Belgorod.
Escalation in Drone Warfare
This large-scale drone assault comes just days after more than 200 Russian drones and missiles targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. That attack was one of the most extensive operations of its kind, aiming to disrupt Ukraine’s ability to sustain its military operations. The recent drone downing is also notable as it occurs nearly a month after Ukrainian forces launched a surprise cross-border offensive into Russia’s southwestern Kursk region, signaling a significant escalation in drone warfare between the two nations.
Targeted Infrastructure in Moscow
Among the regions affected by Sunday’s drone attack was Moscow. Reports indicate that a coal-fired power plant and a Gazprom-owned oil refinery were struck during the assault. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed via Telegram that a drone had damaged a technical room at the Moscow Refinery, causing a small fire that was being extinguished. The attack on these key energy infrastructures highlights the growing intensity of the conflict.
Tver Region Drone Strikes
In the central Tver region, authorities reported that at least five drones were downed near the Konakovo thermal power station. Unverified footage circulating online shows a drone crashing into the plant, causing a large explosion. While the extent of the damage is still unclear, the incident has raised concerns about the security of critical energy infrastructure across Russia.
Flight Disruptions Across Russia
The overnight drone attacks also had significant implications for air travel across Russia. The RBC business news outlet reported that dozens of flights were either delayed or rerouted due to the ongoing threats posed by the drones. This disruption underscores the broader impact of the escalating conflict on everyday life in Russia.
Conclusion: The Growing Battle Over Energy Infrastructure
In recent months, both Russia and Ukraine have intensified their focus on attacking each other’s energy infrastructure. Kyiv’s strategy appears aimed at weakening Moscow’s ability to carry out military operations, while Russia continues to retaliate with large-scale assaults on Ukrainian energy targets. As the conflict drags on, these attacks on critical infrastructure are likely to become an increasingly central aspect of the ongoing war.