A massive overnight Ukrainian drone attack has targeted Moscow and the surrounding region, according to Russian authorities, in what Moscow’s mayor has described as the largest drone assault on the Russian capital so far.
At least two people were reported killed and six others injured in the attack, while Russian officials said hundreds of drones were intercepted before reaching their intended targets. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said approximately 450 drones heading toward the capital had been shot down or otherwise neutralized. Russian authorities also claimed that more than 1,600 drones had been repelled across the country since the previous day.
The attack reportedly struck important infrastructure in the Moscow region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces had hit a key Russian oil facility as well as a logistics site. He described the targets as important sources of economic resources supporting Russia’s war effort.
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The reported strikes come at a particularly sensitive moment for Russia, with parliamentary elections taking place. Russian authorities have accused Ukraine of attempting to disrupt the country’s elections through the drone attacks. Kyiv, meanwhile, has continued to describe strikes against Russian infrastructure as part of its effort to weaken Russia’s ability to sustain its military campaign.
BBC News Russia editor Steve Rosenberg reports from Moscow, speaking to voters and residents about the atmosphere following the overnight attacks. People in the Russian capital described hearing explosions and loud bangs as the drone strikes and air-defence operations unfolded.
One voter interviewed by the BBC said he had heard explosions and described the situation as concerning. Another resident spoke about wanting peace, while expressing a very different interpretation of what peace should look like. The interviews highlight the range of views among people living in Moscow as the war continues.
The drone attack also highlights how the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has increasingly affected areas far from the front lines. Moscow and other Russian regions have repeatedly faced drone attacks during the war, while Russia has continued launching missile and drone strikes against targets in Ukraine.
The parliamentary elections are taking place during a challenging period for Russia. This is the first parliamentary election since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Alongside security concerns, Russia is dealing with economic pressures and the continuing impact of the war.
Steve Rosenberg also discusses Russia’s political landscape and the role of the Kremlin in the country’s political system. The ruling United Russia party, which supports President Vladimir Putin, is expected to remain a major force in parliament. Other parties represented in previous parliaments have frequently supported the Kremlin on major issues, including the war in Ukraine.
The latest drone attack therefore comes at the intersection of military escalation, domestic politics and growing security concerns. While Russian officials describe the strikes as an attempt to interfere with the elections, Ukraine says the targets are connected to Russia’s military and economic capabilities.
In this BBC News report, we look at:
• The massive Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow
• Reports of hundreds of drones targeting the Russian capital
• The reported deaths and injuries following the attack
• Russia’s air-defence response
• The reported strike on a Moscow-region oil facility
• The logistics facility reportedly targeted by Ukraine
• Statements from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
• Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin’s account of the attack
• Russia’s allegations that Ukraine aimed to disrupt the elections
• The impact of the attack on Moscow residents
• The latest Russian parliamentary elections
• Russia’s political landscape and the Kremlin’s influence
• The continuing Russia-Ukraine war
• The growing use of drones in the conflict
• The security and economic challenges facing Russia
As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, drone warfare has become an increasingly important part of the conflict. Attacks on military facilities, energy infrastructure, logistics networks and other strategic targets have become a recurring feature of the war.
The latest attack on Moscow demonstrates the continuing ability of Ukraine to conduct long-range drone operations against targets deep inside Russian territory, while Russia’s extensive air-defence systems continue attempting to intercept incoming drones.
This report provides an overview of the latest developments, eyewitness accounts from Moscow and analysis of the wider political and security situation.
Watch the full video for the latest information and BBC News reporting from Moscow.
Disclaimer:
This video is presented for news, reporting, commentary and informational purposes. The information discussed reflects statements and reports from officials, journalists and other sources concerning an ongoing conflict. Claims made by either side may be disputed or subject to change as further information becomes available.