Drone Strike Near Moscow: Kyiv's Boldest Attack Since War's Outbreak

A series of drone strikes launched by Ukraine have targeted the Moscow region, marking the largest such attack since the war began. The strikes have killed at least one person, destroyed homes, and forced flight rerouting. Russia claims to have intercepted numerous drones, while Ukraine has remained silent on the matter.

In a daring display of defiance, Ukraine has launched a series of drone strikes near Moscow, the first such attack on the Russian capital since the war's outbreak. The strikes targeted a residential building, killing at least one person and causing extensive damage.

According to reporting by Reuters, the attack is the most significant drone strike carried out by Kyiv since the war began over three years ago. Russia claims to have destroyed at least 20 Ukrainian drones over the Moscow region, along with 124 in eight other regions.

Drone Strike Near Moscow: Kyiv's Boldest Attack Since War's Outbreak

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the strikes, calling them "illegitimate military targets" and accusing Ukraine of "demonstrating its nature" as an enemy. Moscow has maintained its stance that its invasion of Ukraine is a "special military operation" aimed at self-protection.

While Kyiv has not yet officially commented on the strikes, it has previously reported that Russia attacked it with 46 drones, with Ukrainian defenses intercepting 38.

Drone Strike Near Moscow: Kyiv's Boldest Attack Since War's Outbreak

The attack comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to travel to Ukraine with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy to meet with Ukrainian counterparts and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Blinken emphasized the critical nature of this visit, given Russia's escalating aggression against civilian and energy targets.

Blinken highlighted President Vladimir Putin's "playbook" of targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure amid winter, as he has done in previous years. The US and NATO remain committed to ensuring Ukraine's defense against Russian attacks.

Drone Strike Near Moscow: Kyiv's Boldest Attack Since War's Outbreak

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed concerns about potential Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, but assured that 85% of Ukraine's energy infrastructure is protected. Blackouts have plagued Ukraine since Russia's intense campaign against its energy grid in March, damaging or destroying 80% of the thermal generating capacity of DTEK, the nation's largest private energy company.

Energy officials have previously warned of limited electricity access during the upcoming winter, depending on grid repair progress. Shmyhal has allocated significant funds for energy security, including $461 million from Ukraine and $315 million from allies.

Drone Strike Near Moscow: Kyiv's Boldest Attack Since War's Outbreak

Despite Russia's claims of intercepted drones, the exact number of intercepted and destroyed drones remains unclear. The attack on Moscow has sent shockwaves through the region and underscores the ongoing intensity of the conflict.