Massive Ukrainian Drone Attack on Moscow Kills One, Damages Buildings Ahead of Key U.S.-Ukraine Peace Talks
Ukraine launched its largest-ever drone attack on Moscow early on Tuesday, targeting the Russian capital and surrounding regions. The attack, which began around 4 a.m. local time, left at least one person dead and injured several others. In addition to the fatalities, the assault caused significant damage to residential buildings, ignited fires, and led to disruptions in transportation, with flights and train services being temporarily halted.
According to local officials, nine people were injured, with a child among the casualties. Seven apartment buildings were reportedly damaged in the Moscow region, forcing the evacuation of residents from several affected flats. The governor of the Moscow region, Andrei Vorobyov, confirmed the death of one individual in the Vidnoye and Domodedovo districts, both located just outside Moscow. Additionally, several cars were set ablaze in a nearby car park.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that its air defenses intercepted a total of 337 drones overnight, with 91 of them targeting the Moscow region. Over 70 drones were said to have flown towards the capital, but Russian forces successfully downed them before they could inflict further damage. However, some drones reportedly hit their targets, causing substantial damage to residential buildings and other infrastructure. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that the roof of a building was damaged, although the extent was described as “insignificant.”
As a result of the attack, Moscow’s four main airports, including Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky, were temporarily closed, and air traffic was severely disrupted. Train services in the Moscow region were also suspended. The attack not only targeted Moscow but also affected other Russian regions, including Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk, where power outages were reported.
This unprecedented drone assault came just hours before crucial peace talks were set to begin between Ukraine and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. Ukrainian delegates are expected to propose a partial ceasefire, covering the Black Sea and long-range missile strikes, along with the release of prisoners. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are in Jeddah for these discussions, marking the first formal meeting between Ukraine and the United States after months of strained relations following a controversial White House visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
