Ukraine launches largest drone strike on Moscow, intensifying conflict

Ukraine attacks Moscow with 34 drones, biggest strike on the Russian capital

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine launched at least 34 drones at Moscow on Sunday, marking the largest drone strike on the Russian capital since the war began in 2022. The strike forced the diversion of flights from three of Moscow’s major airports and resulted in at least one reported injury.

Russia’s defense ministry confirmed that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed an additional 36 drones over other parts of Western Russia within three hours of the attack. The ministry labeled the strike an attempted “terrorist attack” by the Kyiv regime using drone-type aircraft on Russian territory, which it said had been thwarted.

The drone attack disrupted air travel in Moscow, with Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky airports diverting at least 36 flights before normal operations resumed. One person was injured in the Moscow region, though no further details were provided.

Moscow, with a population of at least 21 million people, is one of Europe’s largest metropolitan areas, alongside cities like Istanbul. The drone strike marks another chapter in the escalating warfare between Russia and Ukraine, which has already resulted in widespread destruction and significant loss of life.

In retaliation, Russia launched a record 145 drones overnight, targeting Ukrainian cities. According to Ukrainian officials, 62 of these drones were shot down by air defenses. Ukraine also claimed responsibility for an attack on a military arsenal in Russia’s Bryansk region, where Russian authorities reported downing 14 drones.

Unverified footage circulating on Russian Telegram channels showed drones flying across the Moscow skyline, further heightening the tension and uncertainty in the region.

The conflict, which has now stretched over two and a half years, is entering what some officials suggest could be its final phase, especially as Russian forces have advanced at their fastest pace since the war’s early days. The announcement of Donald Trump‘s victory as the 47th president of the United States has added a new layer of complexity to the situation. Trump, who takes office in January 2025, has previously stated that he could bring peace to Ukraine “within 24 hours,” although he has provided few specifics on how he would achieve such a rapid resolution.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Trump to congratulate him on his victory during the election period. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a Trump supporter, also joined the call. Musk, who owns SpaceX, has played a key role in supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts through the provision of Starlink satellite communication services.

As both sides continue to escalate their use of drones and other advanced weaponry, the outcome of this conflict remains uncertain, with both international diplomatic and military strategies playing a critical role in shaping the war’s trajectory.

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