By Elsie Kamsiyochi
A massive overnight drone offensive launched by Ukraine struck deep inside Russian territory on Sunday, killing at least four people and injuring several others in what officials described as the largest attack on Moscow in more than a year.
The escalation marks one of Kyiv’s most ambitious long-range operations since the war began over four years ago, highlighting the growing reach of Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities.
Russian authorities said three of the deaths occurred in the Moscow region, while another fatality was reported in the Belgorod region near the Ukrainian border. According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, air defence systems intercepted more than 1,000 Ukrainian drones across the country within a 24-hour period, underscoring the scale and intensity of the assault.
The attack comes just days after Russia carried out what Ukraine described as one of the heaviest missile and drone bombardments on Kyiv since the start of the conflict. Ukrainian President had earlier vowed retaliation following devastating strikes on the Ukrainian capital that left dozens dead and residential areas severely damaged.
In a video posted on social media, Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine’s involvement and defended the operation as a justified response to Russia’s continued military campaign. Footage accompanying his statement showed drones in flight, towering columns of smoke, and emergency responders attempting to contain fires sparked by the strikes.
“Our responses to Russia’s prolongation of the war and attacks on our communities are entirely justified,” Zelenskyy said, stressing that Ukraine now possesses the capability to hit targets more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) inside Russian territory, even in areas heavily protected by air defence systems.
He also issued a pointed warning to Moscow, declaring that Russia must ultimately end what he described as an unnecessary and prolonged war.
Russian officials strongly condemned the strikes, accusing Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilian areas. Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized Kyiv, claiming the operation amounted to a “terrorist attack” against civilians. Moscow has repeatedly accused Ukraine of targeting non-military infrastructure, though both nations continue to deny intentionally attacking civilian populations.
The conflict has increasingly shifted toward long-range drone warfare in recent months, with Ukraine intensifying attacks on oil refineries, energy depots, military facilities, and logistical infrastructure deep inside Russian territory. Analysts say these strikes are designed to weaken Russia’s war machine and disrupt supply chains supporting front-line operations.
Moscow Mayor said Russian air defences destroyed at least 81 drones approaching the capital since midnight, making it the largest assault on Moscow in over a year. He reported that at least 12 people suffered injuries, particularly near the entrance of Moscow’s oil refinery complex. However, he added that key refinery operations and technological systems remained intact despite the nearby explosions.
Meanwhile, Moscow regional governor said a woman was killed after a drone strike hit a residential building in Khimki, north of Moscow. Rescue workers continued searching through rubble amid fears another resident could still be trapped. In a separate incident, two men were reportedly killed in the village of Pogorelki in the Mytishchi district.
Several apartment buildings, homes, and infrastructure facilities sustained damage across the region, raising concerns about the vulnerability of civilian areas as the war increasingly spills beyond the battlefield.
Russia’s busiest airport, , also reported drone debris falling within airport grounds. Authorities said operations were not disrupted and no structural damage was recorded.
As both Russia and Ukraine continue to intensify long-range attacks, the war appears to be entering an increasingly dangerous phase, with major cities and civilian infrastructure becoming more exposed to retaliatory strikes.
The latest escalation signals that the conflict is expanding far beyond the front lines, with both sides seeking to weaken each other through increasingly sophisticated drone operations.
Source Reuters
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