Mayor: Most intense drone attack in two years hits Moscow

On the other side, the Ukrainian Air Force in turn reported strikes on targets in Russia. Both warring parties regularly confirm attacks on the other's national territory, while independent verification of the exact figures and damage generally remains difficult.

The wave of strikes is part of a series of mutual drone attacks between Russia and Ukraine that has been ongoing for months. Moscow had repeatedly reported nighttime attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, including the port city of Odessa.

Tass had previously reported on Russian drone strikes on Ukrainian territory. Both countries have increasingly been using drones as a means of warfare in the conflict that has been ongoing since February 2022.

Difficult verification of the figures

The exact number of drones deployed during the night could not be clearly derived from the available information. Sobyanin spoke in his communications of "Hunderten" (hundreds) of projectiles used.

Independent observers pointed out that the figures cited in the conflict regarding drones, intercepts, and damage are generally not independently verifiable. Videos circulating on social media can also be verified only to a limited extent.

Within Moscow's city area, there were restrictions on air traffic according to eyewitness reports. Parts of the population were urged to keep windows and doors closed and to seek shelter, according to communications from the city administration.

Impact on the population

The diplomatic situation remains tense. Despite international mediation efforts, mutual attacks have increased rather than decreased in recent weeks. Moscow and Kyiv blame each other for the escalation.

International reactions to the latest wave of strikes were not yet available in detail at editorial deadline. Western capitals had repeatedly called for de-escalation and negotiations in recent months.

International assessment

The developments during the night show that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is also affecting the rear areas of both countries beyond conventional positions and front lines in 2026. Million-strong cities such as Moscow and Kyiv are increasingly coming into focus.