Russian state media reported that Ukraine launched an extensive drone attack targeting Moscow overnight, described as the largest such assault in over a year. The incidents occurred across several locations, resulting in reported casualties and damage within the Moscow region.
Details of the Moscow Attack
According to TASS, citing local and military officials, the assault on Moscow was significant. Key details reported include:
- Casualties: At least three people were killed near Moscow.
- Locations Affected: Incidents were reported in areas such as Khimki and Mytishchi.
- Injuries: A total of 12 people were injured in Moscow, including construction workers at an oil refinery.
Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported specific incidents:
- A woman was killed after a drone struck a private home in Khimki.
- Two men died in Mytishchi when drone debris impacted a construction site.
Russian Defense Response and Damage Assessment
Russian authorities detailed their defensive actions and the resulting damage:
- Interception Claims: The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that 556 Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight.
- Local Defense: Sobyanin added that air defenses shot down over 120 drones targeting Moscow and its surrounding areas.
- Property Damage: Fallen debris caused a house in Subbotino to catch fire, and four people were injured when drones damaged residential blocks in Istra.
- Airport Impact: Drone fragments were reported falling on the grounds of Sheremetyevo Airport, though no injuries or damage were officially reported at the facility.
Ukrainian Claims of Counter-Strikes
In parallel, Ukrainian sources reported retaliatory strikes against Russian territory:
- The Ukrainian Air Force stated that Russia launched 287 drones overnight.
- These strikes reportedly injured at least nine people in the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
- Ukrainian sources claimed they shot down all but eight of these drones across seven locations.
Context and Political Statements
The reports follow a period of heightened military activity. Furthermore, the Ukrainian commander of the Unmanned System Forces issued a message to residents of Patriarchy, one of Moscow's elite districts, stating, "The one-way ticket to a peaceful life in Patriarchy and the surrounding areas has been canceled."
