Ukraine launches 400 drones at Moscow as Russia escalates missile attacks
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensified sharply after Ukraine launched around 400 drones targeting Moscow and nearby regions in one of its largest long-range aerial attacks since the war began. Russian authorities said most of the drones were intercepted, but the strikes caused injuries, fires and damage to residential buildings, logistics facilities and industrial sites near the Russian capital. Some airports around Moscow also temporarily suspended operations due to the drone threat.
The large-scale drone offensive came just days after Russia carried out one of its heaviest missile and drone barrages on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and several other cities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the operation was aimed at military and logistical infrastructure supporting Russia's war effort, including an oil depot near Moscow. Russian officials, meanwhile, condemned the attack and said air defence systems had intercepted hundreds of incoming drones across multiple regions.
The latest exchange highlights the growing use of long-range drones by both sides as the war enters another phase of escalation. While Ukraine continues to expand its ability to strike deep inside Russian territory, Moscow has intensified missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, increasing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The renewed hostilities are likely to further complicate efforts to revive peace negotiations.
