A large-scale drone attack struck Moscow and its surroundings on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two people and damage to residential areas and a facility at the Moscow oil refinery. The attack occurred on the final day of Russia's legislative elections. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that air defense systems intercepted the attack, shooting down at least 186 drones approaching the capital.
According to Sobyanin, over 1,600 drones have been intercepted since Saturday across various defense lines, including around 450 drones near Moscow. He described the attack as planned to disrupt the electoral process but confirmed that voting continued despite the assaults. Moscow Governor Andrei Vorobyov announced that 249 drones were intercepted in the Moscow region, with the attack causing damage to several residential areas.
The drone attacks resulted in the deaths of a 44-year-old woman and an elderly man in different areas, with approximately 400 people evacuated from a site where a fire broke out after a drone fell on a building. Sobyanin confirmed that a facility at the Moscow oil refinery was damaged, with several drones reaching the refinery's perimeter and one hitting a residential building without causing fatalities.
These attacks are part of an escalation in the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv, with Ukraine intensifying drone strikes on Russian energy and infrastructure targets in recent months. The Moscow oil refinery has previously been targeted in Ukrainian attacks. The Russian legislative elections, including those for the State Duma, began on Friday and concluded on Sunday, September 20.
The attacks highlight the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides engaging in a series of retaliatory strikes. The use of drones in these attacks has become increasingly common, with Ukraine seeking to disrupt Russian operations and infrastructure. The impact of these attacks on the Russian population and the electoral process remains a concern.
In response to the attacks, Russian authorities have taken measures to enhance security and protect critical infrastructure. The country's air defense systems have been deployed to intercept and neutralize drone threats. The effectiveness of these measures in preventing future attacks remains to be seen.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalation of the conflict, with many countries calling for restraint and a return to diplomatic negotiations. The situation remains volatile, with both sides showing a willingness to engage in further military action. The consequences of this conflict continue to unfold.
Key points
- The drone attack on Moscow resulted in two fatalities and significant damage to residential areas and infrastructure.
- The attack occurred on the final day of Russia's legislative elections, with authorities confirming that voting continued despite the assaults.
- The escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to an increase in drone strikes on Russian targets, including energy and infrastructure facilities.
