Russia and Ukraine have launched their most extensive drone attacks against each other since the conflict began, marking a significant escalation.
On Saturday night, Russia’s defense ministry reported intercepting 84 Ukrainian drones over six regions, including several targeting Moscow. The incident led to flight diversions from three of the capital’s major airports. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force stated that Russia had launched 145 drones across its territory, most of which were intercepted.
These massive drone exchanges coincide with expectations that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump may push for an end to the conflict. During his campaign, Trump claimed he could “end the war in a day,” though he has not provided details on how he would achieve this.
The Ukrainian strike on Moscow was the largest attempted attack on the capital to date. Moscow region officials described it as “massive,” with most drones intercepted in Ramenskoye, Kolomna, and Domodedovo districts. In Ramenskoye, five people were injured and four homes caught fire from debris, according to Russia’s Ministry of Defense, which reported shooting down 34 drones over the area, reports BBC.
Meanwhile, in southern Ukraine, two people were injured in Odesa after a drone strike. Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down 62 of Russia’s Iranian-made drones, while 67 malfunctioned and returned to Russia, Belarus, and Moldova. Overnight, Russia reported destroying 13 Ukrainian drones near Kursk and Belgorod. Separately, five people were killed in Mykolaiv following an airstrike that set residential buildings ablaze.