Ukraine launched an unprecedented overnight drone strike on Moscow and surrounding regions, killing at least two people and injuring 20 others including three children. The massive assault coincided with the final day of Russia’s parliamentary elections.
Russian authorities described it as the largest drone attack on the capital since the war began. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its forces intercepted over 1,100 Ukrainian drones. Falling debris sparked fires in residential areas notably in the Ramensky district where a 21-story apartment building was evacuated. The strikes also damaged civilian infrastructure and a key Moscow oil refinery.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin accused Kyiv of attempting to disrupt the three-day State Duma elections. President Vladimir Putin has heavily framed the vote which the ruling United Russia party is expected to dominate after anti-war candidates were barred as a test of public support for the ongoing military campaign. Despite the attacks and reported cyber-disruptions to online voting systems, Russian officials claimed the election proceeded smoothly.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the long-range strikes, stating they successfully hit critical Russian oil and logistics facilities. Zelenskyy emphasized that targeting the infrastructure funding Moscow's "war machine" was necessary also urging Russia to end the conflict and choose peace over escalating regional air defenses.
