A large wave of Ukrainian drones hit the Moscow region overnight, resulting in the deaths of at least two people. The drones damaged important infrastructure and severely affected air traffic in the capital, according to Russian officials.
A source close to the Russian defense ministry mentioned, “There was an unprecedented attack by drones.” They added that anti-aircraft defenses managed to shoot down hundreds of drones targeting the city. Unfortunately, the attacks caused both fatalities and damage in residential and industrial areas.
The regional authorities have confirmed that two people died and at least six others were hurt due to explosions from the drones and falling debris.
In terms of energy infrastructure, drone fragments or impacts seemed to have struck and set fire to an oil refinery near the capital, prompting emergency response teams to take action.
Regarding property damage, fires broke out at several homes and a local warehouse in the surrounding Moscow region.
Many of Russia’s major international airports had to stop flight operations due to restrictions imposed by aviation authorities after the incident. For instance, Vnukovo Airport suspended all flights, while Sheremetyevo Airport introduced strict limits on traffic and temporarily grounded some flights.
This incident comes amid a rise in long-range strikes targeting energy grids and transportation systems on both sides.