Ukraine conducted a large-scale drone assault on the Moscow region, with Russian officials reporting that air defenses intercepted over 180 of approximately 620 drones. The attack wounded three people, including a child, and caused damage to buildings and facilities.
Explosions were reported in various districts, including Pavlovsky Posad, where a house reportedly burned down. Energy facilities, including the Moscow Oil Refinery, were also said to be targeted. A logistics complex belonging to the e-commerce company Wildberries sustained minor damage, with debris hitting the building's wall. Ukraine has previously claimed that Wildberries supplies components for Russian drones.
Drones were also reportedly intercepted near an Ozon online retail warehouse and struck a commercial pavilion near a shopping center in Kolomna.
Escalation and Warnings
The widespread drone activity comes a day after Russia issued a stern warning to Britain, stating the UK would "pay" for arming Kyiv. Moscow's embassy in London accused the United Kingdom of deliberately escalating the Ukraine crisis after Ukrainian forces used UK-made drones to strike targets on Russian soil for the first time. The embassy described the UK as an "accomplice and co-perpetrator" of alleged crimes by Ukrainian forces.
Russia's statement suggested that London's actions would have "inevitable consequences" and that the price paid would increase with deeper involvement and greater support for Kyiv.
Wider Impact of the Conflict
The intensification of long-distance attacks by both Ukraine and Russia has led to a surge in civilian casualties, reaching levels not seen since the early months of the war in 2022. Frontline fighting has remained largely static, and diplomatic talks are frozen.
In a separate incident Tuesday, a Russian missile attack in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region killed 10 people and injured eight, according to the regional governor.
Beyond Ukraine's borders, a Russian drone-missile exploded in a cornfield in neighboring Moldova. Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated that some Russian drones may enter neighboring countries accidentally, while others might be sent deliberately. She asserted that such incursions violate Moldovan airspace and endanger its citizens, holding the Russian Federation responsible for the war.
