World
Ukraine launches massive drone attack on Moscow during elections
At least two dead and a refinery damaged in Moscow from a Ukrainian drone attack on the last day of Russian parliamentary elections.
A massive drone attack launched by Ukraine struck Moscow on the final day of the Russian parliamentary elections. According to reports from Russian officials, the attack resulted in at least two deaths and over twenty injuries in the capital region. The oil refinery in Kapotnya was among the most affected facilities, where significant fires were reported.
The governor of the Moscow region, Andrei Vorobyov, indicated that approximately 250 drones were intercepted since midnight on the day of the attack. However, other sources, including the TASS news agency, reported higher figures, stating that up to 338 unmanned vehicles had been shot down.
The impact of the drones caused not only damage to the refinery but also affected residential areas of Moscow, leading to the urgent evacuation of over 400 people. Local authorities confirmed the activation of alarms in the city due to the intensity of the attack and its timing during a politically significant moment, coinciding with the elections.
In addition to the physical damage and loss of life, the attack caused disruptions in air transport, with nearly 450 flights canceled or delayed at various airports in Moscow, adding to the chaos during a critical day for electoral activity in Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the offensive against targets in the Moscow region, highlighting the strategic nature of the attacks, which encompassed both oil and logistical infrastructure. Although details on the specific attack orders have not been disclosed, the coordination in the offensive appears to have been efficient.
This event underscores the ongoing escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with the use of drones becoming increasingly common in military operations. The impact of the attack is felt not only in terms of material damage but also in the political realm, raising tensions at a critical moment for both countries. However, Russian authorities' responses regarding the strategic implications of the attack in the ongoing conflict remain limited.