Ukraine attacks Moscow with barrage of drones

On Sunday, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone strike on Moscow, sending at least 34 drones toward the Russian capital. This was the biggest drone attack on Moscow since the war began in 2022.

The strike led to flight diversions from three major Moscow airports and caused at least one reported injury. Russian air defenses managed to shoot down many of the drones.

The Russian Defense Ministry also stated it intercepted 36 other drones across western Russia during the same time.

This attack on Moscow occurs amid escalating tensions in the ongoing war, now entering its third year. The main targets of the drone strike were Moscow’s infrastructure, though the exact damage remains unclear.

The Russian federal air transport agency confirmed that major Moscow airports—Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky—diverted flights temporarily before resuming normal operations.

Despite the disruption, life in Moscow appeared unaffected, with daily activities continuing as usual in the city.

The strike is part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to target Russian assets, despite being heavily outmatched in terms of military strength.

Moscow has built an advanced air defense system, known as the “Moscow Umbrella,” to protect important buildings and government institutions. However, the city has faced increasing drone strikes, a strategy both sides are using more throughout the war.

Ukraine has regularly used drones to target key Russian military sites, including airfields, refineries, and radar stations.

In recent months, drones have also been used to attack Russian-held territories in Ukraine and within Russia itself. Ukrainian officials say these strikes aim to disrupt Russia’s military supply lines and retaliate for Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Meanwhile, Russia is increasing its own drone capabilities, using both homemade and advanced models.

The use of drones has evolved quickly during the conflict, with both sides finding new ways to deploy and defend against them. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for continued investment in drones, seeing them as a crucial part of Ukraine’s defense strategy.

In response to the latest attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled Ukraine’s drone strikes as “terrorism” and vowed to retaliate, though he hasn’t provided details. Moscow is enhancing its defense with anti-drone systems and electronic jamming technologies to disrupt Ukraine’s drone operations.

However, Ukraine’s continued success with drone strikes highlights the weaknesses in Russia’s defenses.

The war, which started with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has now turned into a prolonged conflict with heavy casualties on both sides.

While intense fighting continues on the frontlines, drones have become a key weapon in this new type of warfare. Their growing role is reshaping the conflict and complicating peace efforts.

Ukraine continues to receive support from Western countries, including arms and intelligence sharing, while Russia has gained support from nations like North Korea and Iran.

Despite this, Russia remains diplomatically isolated in many parts of the world.

The ongoing drone strikes on Moscow and other Russian targets show that Ukraine is determined to escalate the war in its efforts to reclaim occupied territories and resist Russian occupation.