Moscow has come under the largest Ukrainian attack since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, with nearly 200 drones striking targets around the Russian capital. The attack sparked fires, including at the Kapotnya oil refinery, and forced evacuations at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport. Seventeen people were wounded in the Moscow region, while one person was killed in the southern Rostov region after an oil depot was struck.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed responsibility for the attack, calling it a response to Russia's recent strikes on Kyiv. He described the drone strikes as "long-range sanctions" and urged Russia to take diplomatic steps to end the war. The Russian defense ministry reported intercepting nearly 1,000 drones and four Ukrainian cruise missiles across the country in 24 hours.
The attack disrupted air travel, with Moscow's four airports temporarily shutting down and over 500 flights canceled or delayed. Videos posted on social media showed drones flying over Moscow and explosions in industrial areas, despite local authorities banning the publication of such images. The strike also damaged a shopping center and residential high-rise blocks, leading to evacuations.
Russia's defense ministry said it launched a retaliatory drone-and-missile attack against Ukrainian fuel and energy facilities. The war, now in its fourth year, continues with no signs of diplomatic progress.