Ukraine Launches Largest Drone Attack on Moscow Since War Began, Resulting in Casualties

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Ukraine has reportedly conducted its most extensive drone attack on Russian territory since the onset of the conflict, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals. This attack occurred late on a Tuesday night, primarily targeting Moscow and its surrounding areas.

According to Russian officials, the drone strikes took place in Domodedovo, located approximately 30 kilometers south of Moscow. The victims were identified as employees of a local company, and the strikes hit their workplace just as they were beginning their shifts. In addition to the fatalities, medical assistance was required for 14 individuals following the attacks.

Damage was also reported in the Ramenskoje district, where debris from the drones caused structural harm to at least seven residential properties. Emergency services evacuated twelve residents, including three children, from the affected areas. Independent verification of these details remains pending.

The Mayor of Moscow, Sergey Sobyanin, indicated that 74 drones were intercepted while approaching the capital, marking the highest number of intercepted drones in a single incident. In total, over 300 drones were reportedly shot down across the Moscow region and the Kursk border area.

Local authorities stated that the drones were launched from multiple regions within Ukraine, with the objective of overwhelming Russian air defenses. In response to the drone attacks, the Kremlin condemned the actions of Ukraine, claiming that such strikes deliberately target civilian infrastructure.

Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov reported that President Vladimir Putin had been informed about the situation and emphasized that the Russian air defense systems had functioned effectively during the incident. Despite the claims of successful interception, the Russian authorities accused Ukraine of intentionally striking civilian locations.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, characterized the drone attack as evidence of Ukraine's desperation in the face of military setbacks on the battlefield. She asserted that the Ukrainian armed forces' inability to achieve decisive victories had compelled them to conduct attacks against civilian targets.

In the aftermath of the drone strikes, Andrey Kartapolov, head of the State Duma Defense Committee, called for a retaliatory response using Russia's medium-range missile systems. He suggested that multiple strikes should be executed to address the situation adequately.

As a precautionary measure, six airports across Russia temporarily suspended all air traffic, including major airports in Moscow and other cities, due to the heightened threat level posed by the drone attacks. These restrictions were eventually lifted after a few hours.

This latest incident underscores the ongoing and intensifying conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides enduring significant losses and engaging in reciprocal attacks. The Ukrainian government maintains that these drone strikes aim to compel Russia to consider a ceasefire and halt aerial assaults on Ukrainian territory.

As the situation continues to develop, both nations remain entrenched in a protracted conflict, with each side looking to assert its strategic position.