Ukrainian forces launched their largest drone strike on Moscow since Putin’s 2022 invasion, Russian media reported, while Russia responded with a record airstrike on Ukraine. Three Moscow airports closed temporarily, with one injury reported. Russia claimed to have intercepted 70 drones, about half over Moscow and the rest in western regions.
Ukraine reported targeting an ammunition depot near Bryansk, with footage capturing multiple explosions. Other videos showed drones buzzing over urban areas, including suburbs and truck lots, shared on Russian Telegram channels.
According to Ukrainian sources, the attack on Moscow was retaliation for a massive Russian drone barrage on Kyiv after Trump’s election. Over the weekend, Moscow launched 145 drones—the largest wave yet—damaging Odesa’s Black Sea port. Ukraine downed 62 UAVs, with others lost in transit.
Russia’s defense ministry labeled the incident a “terrorist attack” with “airplane-type drones,” and air transport authorities reported 36 flights diverted.
Both countries have developed advanced UAV technology. Ukraine’s drone command has enabled strikes deep within Russia, hitting weapon depots, oil sites, and airstrips, while Russia has deployed fiber-optic drones that evade electronic jamming near Sudzha in the Kursk region.
Trump’s victory has sparked speculation that the longstanding Russia-Ukraine war might draw to a close. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy recently discussed the conflict with Trump and Elon Musk. Trump claimed he could resolve the conflict “within 24 hours” and indicated a desire to meet Russian demands in exchange for peace.
Zelenskyy is set to travel to the U.S. for discussions with Trump, following a recent positive call between them. Their previous meeting took place last month in New York during the UN General Assembly.
Trump’s team has previously floated a peace proposal, potentially freezing the current battle lines and conceding Crimea and eastern territories to Russia, along with suspending Ukraine’s NATO bid. However, Trump’s exact intentions remain unclear.
Musk’s stance on Ukraine is contradictory: he has aided Ukraine’s military with Starlink satellite access, which Zelenskyy acknowledged, yet Musk has also supported Russia-friendly positions, calling for Crimea’s annexation and Ukrainian neutrality. The Wall Street Journal reported he had held private talks with Putin.
Despite the drone assault, Moscow’s streets remained calm, with residents strolling alongside the city’s historic churches as the attack unfolded.
