Russia downed 34 Ukrainian drones in a major attack on Moscow, causing the temporary closure of three Moscow airports. The attack resulted in the injury of a 52-year-old woman and set two homes on fire in the village of Stanovoye in the Moscow region. While Kyiv has been regularly targeted by Russian drone and missile strikes, attacks on Moscow are much less common. The Defense Ministry reported that Russia’s air defense had downed a total of 70 Ukrainian drones across six regions, with 34 of them being in the Moscow region.
Local officials in the Moscow region confirmed that the drones were downed in the Ramenskoye, Kolomna, and Domodedovo districts. The attack was described as “massive” by Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov, who stated that the injured woman had been hospitalized with burns to her face, neck, and hands. The previous largest drone attack near Moscow resulted in the death of a woman in Ramenskoye in September. In May 2023, two drones were destroyed near the Kremlin, and there were several drone attacks on the Moscow City business district in the same year.
Russia’s Defense Ministry also reported downing 23 Ukrainian drones over regions bordering Ukraine, including Bryansk, Rostov, Belgorod, and Kursk. Governor Andrei Klychkov of the Orlov region, closer to Moscow, stated that air defense had shot down 10 drones in his region with no casualties reported. Ukraine has justified its drone attacks as a response to Russian bombings on its territory since the conflict began in 2022. The Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities between Thursday and Friday resulted in at least one death and over three dozen injuries, with missiles, drones, and glide bombs launched across Ukraine.
The air force confirmed launching five missiles, 92 drones, and glide bombs, with units downing four missiles and 62 drones. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated, with both sides engaging in aerial attacks targeting key infrastructure and population centers. The downing of Ukrainian drones near Moscow marks a significant development in the conflict, with Moscow facing renewed threats from Ukrainian forces. The Defense Ministry has vowed to continue defending Russian territory from further attacks and maintain the security and safety of its citizens.
As the conflict enters a new phase with increased drone attacks near major cities like Moscow, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging both sides to seek a diplomatic resolution. The impact of the attacks on civilians and infrastructure highlights the devastating consequences of war and the urgent need for peace negotiations. The continued violence and destruction in Ukraine underscore the need for a ceasefire and dialogue to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety and well-being of all affected populations. The drone attacks near Moscow serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict and the need for concerted efforts to end the hostilities and bring about lasting peace in the region.
