Ukraine carried out a large-scale attack on Russia on Saturday night, striking several parts of Moscow with more than 1,000 drones, the Ukrainian military said. The strikes come as the war between the two countries grows more intense, with both sides suffering heavy property damage and loss of life and neither backing down. Observers believe it is the biggest drone attack on the Russian capital since the war began.
A drone strike on an oil refinery in Moscow set off huge fires and sent thick smoke over the area. Officials said part of the refinery was damaged and that fires also broke out nearby. They said the drones hit key refineries and four buildings, including an apartment block. Moscow’s mayor said this was the first time the capital had faced an air attack of this scale since the war started.
Two people were killed in the Moscow region and several were injured. Authorities evacuated about 400 people from the Ramenskoye area, including roughly 70 children. Russia’s army said its forces had shot down another 450 Ukrainian drones.
Ukraine is also continuing large-scale attacks on Crimea, apparently aimed at disrupting military supplies and power systems. Moscow’s major airports were temporarily closed, and attacks and power disruptions led to several flight cancellations and delays. The escalation comes as Russia prepares to hold parliamentary elections.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian forces targeted several areas of Moscow overnight and destroyed a key Russian oil plant. He thanked the country’s security forces, intelligence service and special forces. Zelensky also urged Moscow to end the war and come forward to seek peace.