Baby killed in Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow region

Air defense had been in constant operation around the capital, Vorobyov wrote further. Photos and videos circulated on social media showed burning parts of buildings and columns of smoke over residential neighborhoods. Residents reported loud detonations in the early morning hours. Authorities urged the population to remain calm and not to leave shelters as long as the danger persisted.

Ukraine reports 138 Russian drones intercepted

Parallel to the attacks on Russian territory, the Ukrainian Air Force in Kyiv reported that 138 of 154 attacking Russian drones had been intercepted overnight. Drones were also reportedly intercepted over the Belgorod region, which lies near the Russian-Ukrainian border. The Air Force spoke of one of the most intense drone nights in weeks. Reports of casualties or major damage on the Ukrainian side were not initially available.

The incidents illustrate the escalation of the drone war between the two countries. Since the start of the large-scale Russian invasion, both sides have regularly targeted locations in each other's rear areas. Drones play a central role in this because they achieve long ranges with comparatively little effort and are difficult to locate. The Russian capital lies around 750 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

Drone war between both countries

International observers noted that civilian casualties are increasing through the use of comparatively inexpensive drones. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called on both parties to the conflict to strictly adhere to the principle of distinction between military and civilian targets. The United Nations has demanded independent investigations into reports of attacks on residential areas. To date, neither side has commented in detail on the allegations of the other.

Investigations and aid measures in Yegoryevsk

The Russian authorities announced investigations into the fire in Yegoryevsk. Residential blocks in the surrounding area had been evacuated, according to the region's emergency headquarters. Families left homeless by the attack were to be accommodated in emergency shelters. Psychological help for residents was being mobilized, Vorobyov said. He initially gave no figure for the amount of property damage.

The incident comes at a time when diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have largely stalled. Both sides are increasingly relying on drone attacks because they want to conserve rockets and cruise missiles. Observers see this as a sign that the drone war is increasingly blurring the front lines and lowering the threshold for attacks on the rear. According to experts, Western capitals are also preparing for a longer phase of mutual drone strikes.

Within Russia too, concern is growing about further attacks on its own rear areas. In several regions, protection concepts for residential areas and critical infrastructure have been drawn up in recent weeks. Citizens are being warned of new waves of drones via apps and loudspeaker announcements. Experts doubt whether the precautions taken are sufficient. Yegoryevsk is not the first target in the greater Moscow area, but the death of a child is likely to further intensify the political debate in Russia.

The Ukrainian side has so far issued no official statement on the incidents in the Moscow region. In Kyiv, it was stressed once again that it is waging a defensive war and intercepting nightly Russian drone attacks. The events of the night make clear that the conflict is increasingly reaching the Russian rear as well. Observers expect that mutual drone attacks will continue in the coming weeks.