Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow, injuring one and disrupting three major airports.
Ukraine launched its largest drone assault on Moscow since the start of the full-scale war in 2022, injuring one person and causing three major airports to divert flights, while Russia countered with an unprecedented 145 drones against Ukraine.
How did officials respond to the drone strikes?
Moscow’s regional governor, Andrei Vorobyov, described it as a “massive attack” and reported that two houses in Stanovoye, a village 15 miles southeast of Moscow, caught fire after drones fell in the area. A 52-year-old woman suffered injuries from shrapnel and was hospitalized with burns to her face, neck, and hands, remaining in intensive care.
Were Moscow’s defenses effective against the assault?
Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced it had “intercepted and destroyed” 34 drones over Moscow in response to the strikes. Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport, Russia’s busiest, was among the three airports temporarily impacted but has since resumed operations along with the other affected airports.
How significant are these attacks compared to previous incidents?
While Ukraine has targeted Moscow before, this represents the largest attack on the capital to date. It occurred as the United Kingdom’s defense chief, Adm. Tony Radakin, noted Russia experienced its deadliest month since the invasion began, with an estimated 1,500 Russian casualties daily in October. Radakin told the BBC that Russia’s losses amounted to 700,000 total casualties, stemming from what he called “enormous pain and suffering” linked to President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions.
What has been the impact on the Ukrainian frontlines?
Despite high losses, Radakin acknowledged that Russia was making “tactical, territorial gains,” exerting added pressure on Ukrainian defenses.
How did Ukraine respond to Russia’s intensified drone usage?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Russia launched a record 145 Shahed and other attack drones into Ukraine on Saturday night. The Iranian-made Shahed drones, though inexpensive, have proven effective for Russian forces. Zelenskyy further noted that Russia employed over 800 guided bombs, around 600 strike drones, and nearly 20 missiles over the past week, escalating the conflict’s scale and intensity.
