In a significant escalation, Russia reported intercepting 34 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow on Sunday, marking the largest attack on the capital since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. Russia’s Ministry of Defense said the air defense systems intercepted a total of 70 drones between 0400 GMT and 0700 GMT, with drones targeting Moscow and five additional regions. Moscow’s airports experienced temporary closures, and two houses were set ablaze in Stanovoye village, leaving a 52-year-old woman injured.
The Moscow region’s governor, Andrei Vorobyov, described the strike as “massive,” noting drones were downed in the Ramenskoye, Kolomna, and Domodedovo districts. Video footage from the incident captured a house on fire in the Ramenskoye area, where a fatal attack had previously occurred in September.
Beyond Moscow, drone interceptions were reported in Bryansk, Orlov, Kaluga, Tula, and Kursk. Orlov’s governor confirmed air defenses successfully intercepted 10 drones over his region, with no injuries reported.
Although Kyiv frequently endures Russian drone and missile strikes, attacks on Moscow have been sporadic. Ukrainian officials have previously indicated these strikes serve as retaliation against Russian bombardments that often target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The intensifying exchanges have impacted multiple regions. Last week, Russian bombardments on Ukrainian cities reportedly killed at least one individual and injured over three dozen. Ukraine’s air force recorded 92 drones, five missiles, and several glide bombs launched by Russia, downing 62 drones and four missiles.
