Hundreds of Ukrainian drones launched a large-scale attack across Russia overnight into Wednesday, with dozens specifically targeting Moscow and causing significant disruptions, including flight delays at the capital’s airports, officials said.
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that air defenses shot down 296 drones across 12 regions, including at least 42 over the Moscow area, according to regional Governor Andrei Vorobyov. He noted that several homes were damaged in Chekhov, about 40 miles south of Moscow.
Sheremetyevo International Airport warned travelers of delays due to flight restrictions imposed during the drone attacks, part of a pattern of recent airspace disruptions around the capital.
Ukrainian official Andriy Kovalenko claimed on Telegram that key military-industrial sites were hit, including a missile and drone manufacturing plant in Dubna and a high-tech development hub in Zelenograd—though these claims could not be independently verified.
Meanwhile, Russia continued its own long-range assault on Ukraine, launching six missiles and 88 drones, with Ukraine’s air force reporting the interception of 71 drones and impacts in eight areas.
The mutual escalation in aerial attacks comes amid heightened tensions following President Donald Trump’s return to office in January.
Despite promises to quickly end the war, Trump has expressed growing frustration over stalled peace efforts, recently criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggesting that Moscow is delaying its promised peace proposal.
Ukrainian officials remain skeptical, pointing to continued Russian offensives and questioning Moscow’s commitment to diplomacy.
