Ukraine has unleashed one of its largest drone assaults of the year on Russia, targeting Moscow and several other regions in an overnight barrage. The wave of kamikaze drones forced the suspension of flights at Moscow’s major airports for nearly seven hours on Monday and left multiple buildings damaged across the capital and nearby areas.
Russian officials report that at least 15 drones were shot down overnight, though several still managed to hit their targets, including a high-rise apartment building in Moscow’s Ramenskoye district. The attack damaged two residential buildings, sparking fires and leaving several residents in shock as emergency services responded to the scene. No fatalities have been confirmed, though some individuals were treated for minor injuries related to smoke inhalation and debris.
The barrage also extended beyond Moscow, with reports of drone strikes in the Bryansk, Lipetsk, Tula, Kursk, and Kaluga regions. This widespread attack represents one of Ukraine’s most intense and far-reaching drone campaigns in recent months. The strikes highlight Kyiv’s growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in its efforts to target Russian infrastructure and military assets as the conflict grinds on.
In response, Russian officials condemned the attacks as acts of aggression aimed at civilians, though Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the strikes. Ukrainian forces have increasingly relied on drone warfare to carry out precision strikes deep within Russian territory, avoiding traditional ground and air combat methods while amplifying their ability to disrupt Moscow’s military operations.
The closure of Moscow’s airports, including Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Vnukovo, led to significant travel disruptions, with flights being rerouted or delayed. Russian authorities scrambled to ensure security across the city and restore normal operations, though anxiety continues to mount among the population as Ukraine’s drone capability advances.
This latest round of attacks underscores the growing reach and impact of Ukraine’s military strategy, which is increasingly targeting critical infrastructure and symbolic sites within Russia. For many, the drone attacks are a sign that the conflict is escalating, bringing the war closer to the heart of Moscow than ever before. The assaults also signal Kyiv’s determination to strike back against Russia after months of fierce battles in eastern Ukraine and a series of missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.
The situation remains tense as both sides continue to escalate their military campaigns. While Russia has pledged to enhance its defense capabilities and bolster security around critical sites, Ukraine’s use of drone warfare demonstrates its adaptability and the evolving nature of modern combat.
As the conflict drags on, international observers warn of the potential for further escalation and civilian casualties, urging both sides to seek diplomatic solutions amid the increasingly volatile situation.
