Ukraine Launches ‘Largest Drone Attack in Over a Year’ on Moscow — Russia Claims

Russia has reported what it describes as the largest Ukrainian aerial attack on its capital, Moscow, in over a year, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

According to Russian state media, air defence systems were activated overnight as multiple drones targeted areas in and around Moscow. Officials claim that several of the drones were intercepted before reaching critical infrastructure, though debris reportedly caused minor damage in some districts.

The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that the attack involved a coordinated wave of unmanned aerial vehicles, making it one of the most intense strikes on the capital since the conflict began. Authorities temporarily restricted flights at major airports in Moscow as a precautionary measure.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that emergency services were deployed to affected sites, adding that there were no immediate reports of mass casualties. However, residents reported hearing explosions and witnessing flashes in the night sky, sparking concern across the city.

On the Ukrainian side, officials have not immediately confirmed responsibility for the attack, consistent with Kyiv’s usual stance on operations inside Russian territory. However, Ukraine has previously indicated that strikes targeting Russian military and logistical assets are part of its broader defensive strategy.

Military analysts suggest the scale and coordination of the reported attack could signal a shift in Ukraine’s operational capabilities, particularly in its use of long-range drones. The development comes amid continued fighting along frontlines in eastern and southern Ukraine, where both sides have been engaged in prolonged and intense combat.

The incident is likely to further heighten tensions between the two countries, with potential implications for regional security and international diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.

As the war continues, both nations have increasingly relied on aerial and drone warfare, expanding the battlefield beyond traditional frontlines and into major urban centres.