Ukraine and Russia have escalated their drone warfare, marking their largest attacks since the conflict began. Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported intercepting 84 Ukrainian drones over six regions, including several targeting Moscow. This led to flight disruptions at three major Moscow airports, with flights redirected due to the threat.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force claimed Russia launched 145 drones toward various Ukrainian regions on Saturday night, most of which were intercepted before causing significant damage. Despite the downing of many drones, Ukraine’s attempted strike on Moscow stood out as the largest since the war’s onset. Described as “massive” by local officials, the attack primarily targeted the Ramenskoye, Kolomna, and Domodedovo districts, with most drones being shot down.
In Ramenskoye, southwest of Moscow, five individuals were injured, and four houses were set ablaze by falling debris. The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed the destruction of 34 drones in the area. This marks the latest in a series of drone strikes on Moscow, following previous attacks that have targeted high-profile locations like the Kremlin and the Moscow City business district.
On the Ukrainian side, Russian drone strikes have caused injuries, with at least two people hurt in Odesa after a drone hit the region. Fires and structural damage were reported. The Ukrainian air force also claimed to have downed 62 Iranian-made drones from Russia, with 67 others lost in Ukrainian airspace, while 10 drones veered off toward Russia, Belarus, and Moldova.
The conflict continues to escalate, with further strikes reported overnight into Monday. Russia claimed it destroyed 13 more Ukrainian drones near Kursk and Belgorod regions. Meanwhile, southern Ukraine saw tragic losses with five fatalities in Mykolaiv following an airstrike that ignited fires in residential buildings.
Amid this violence, Russian forces have reportedly made their most significant territorial advances since March 2022. However, UK Defence Chief Sir Tony Radakin highlighted October as a particularly devastating month for Russia, with daily casualties averaging 1,500 killed or wounded.
In the background, all eyes are on US President-elect Donald Trump, whose stance on the war remains a subject of speculation. Trump has previously stated he could end the conflict quickly, but has not revealed specifics on how he plans to achieve this. Former Trump adviser Bryan Lanza suggested the new administration would prioritize peace negotiations over Ukraine regaining its territory. However, a Trump spokesperson distanced the president-elect from these remarks, underscoring his stance for peace but not necessarily for a Russian defeat.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed optimism over the incoming US leadership, pointing to Trump’s campaign rhetoric calling for peace rather than Russia’s defeat. President Zelensky of Ukraine has remained firm on his position, rejecting territorial concessions and emphasizing that without US support, Ukraine could lose the war. In his evening address, Zelensky stressed that a lasting peace would require both diplomatic efforts and military strength.
War in Ukraine, Russia, Ukraine
