Ukraine Hits Moscow with Major Drone Assault
On Wednesday, Ukraine carried out a major drone attack on Moscow, marking one of the largest strikes on the Russian capital since the war began in February 2022. Russian officials reported that air defenses intercepted at least 11 drones over the city. This significant escalation highlights the ongoing intensity of the conflict.
Escalation in the Conflict
The war, which has largely been characterized by artillery and drone battles across eastern Ukraine, saw a dramatic escalation on August 6. Ukraine’s military moved thousands of troops into Russia’s western Kursk region, intensifying the conflict. This latest drone assault on Moscow is a notable development in Ukraine’s broader strategy of targeting key Russian infrastructure.
Drone Warfare Intensifies
Ukraine has been increasingly aggressive with its drone operations, targeting Russian refineries and airfields. While major attacks on the Moscow region—home to over 21 million people—are rare, this latest strike underscores a shift in tactics. The Russian defense ministry reported that a total of 45 drones were downed across various regions, including Moscow, Bryansk, Belgorod, Kaluga, and Kursk.
Moscow’s Defense Response
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the drone attack as one of the largest attempts to strike the capital. The city’s defense systems managed to intercept the majority of the drones, with some being destroyed over Podolsk, a city about 24 miles south of the Kremlin. Sobyanin praised the effectiveness of Moscow’s layered defense strategy.
Impact on Moscow’s Airports
In response to the drone attack, Moscow’s major airports—Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky—experienced flight restrictions for approximately four hours. However, normal operations resumed by 0330 GMT. Despite the disruptions, Sobyanin confirmed that there were no reported injuries or significant damage from the attacks.
Regional Developments
The drone strike comes amid ongoing Russian military operations in eastern Ukraine, where Russia controls about 18% of the territory. Ukrainian forces have also made notable advances into the Kursk region, marking the largest foreign incursion into Russian territory since World War II. Russian media displayed unverified footage of drones being shot down in the Moscow region, further highlighting the intensity of the situation.
Additional Reports and Responses
While the Russian defense ministry did not mention drones destroyed over Tula or Rostov regions in their statement, these areas also reported drone-related incidents. Governor Vasily Golubev of Rostov noted that air defenses had intercepted a Ukrainian missile. Ukraine’s military claimed responsibility for an attack on an S-300 anti-aircraft system in Rostov, though this could not be independently verified.
Comparing Attacks
This recent drone attack on Moscow is reminiscent of the May 2023 incident, when at least eight drones were destroyed over the capital. President Vladimir Putin had previously labeled such attacks as attempts to provoke and intimidate Russia. As the conflict continues, both sides remain engaged in intense and evolving strategies.