In the largest drone exchanges since the start of the Ukraine-Russia war, both nations launched massive attacks on each other’s territory.
Russia’s defense ministry reported intercepting 84 Ukrainian drones across six regions, including some near Moscow, forcing flight diversions from three major airports in the capital. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force stated that Russia fired 145 drones over Ukraine on Saturday night, most of which were intercepted.
The strikes represent Ukraine’s biggest attempt to target Moscow since the war began. Russian officials described the attack as “massive,” noting that most drones were downed in areas south and southwest of Moscow, including Ramenskoye.
In Ramenskoye, five people were injured, and several homes were set ablaze by debris from downed drones. Elsewhere, in Ukraine’s Odesa region, at least two people were injured following drone strikes that left buildings aflame.
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Ukraine’s air force reported that it intercepted 62 of Russia’s Iranian-made drones while 67 malfunctioned. Ten drones veered away from Ukraine’s airspace, returning toward Russia and neighboring Belarus and Moldova.
The drone strikes come as Russian forces reportedly made their largest territorial gains in recent months, while the UK’s army chief, Sir Tony Radakin, stated that Russia suffered its highest monthly casualties in October since the conflict’s start, with an estimated 1,500 troops injured or killed each day.
The escalation occurs amid speculation on how U.S. President-elect Donald Trump might handle the conflict.
Trump, who has suggested he could end the war swiftly, has recently spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, Trump has not clarified his strategy for achieving peace, though a former adviser suggested his approach may focus on diplomacy rather than pushing for Ukraine to reclaim territory from Russia.
