Ukraine launched a substantial drone attack on Moscow and its surrounding regions on the final day of Russia’s parliamentary elections, resulting in at least three fatalities and damage to an oil refinery, according to Russian authorities. This offensive marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that over 1,600 drones had been intercepted since the attacks began on Saturday, with approximately 450 aimed at the capital. Some drones successfully struck the Moscow Oil Refinery, and a residential building in the Moscow region sustained damage, leading to the evacuation of around 400 people from a 21-storey apartment complex.
The drone strikes caused casualties and prompted a swift response from emergency services in the affected areas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the attacks were aimed at key Russian energy and logistics infrastructure, reflecting Ukraine’s strategy of targeting deep within Russian territory using long-range drones and domestically produced weaponry.
The timing of the attack coincided with Russia’s first parliamentary election since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russian officials accused Ukraine of attempting to disrupt the electoral process, while Kyiv has maintained its focus on undermining Russian military and energy capabilities.
This latest development underscores the increasing use of drone technology in the conflict, as Ukraine continues to challenge Russian assets and infrastructure. The international community closely watches these tensions, which have significant implications for regional stability and global energy markets.