Ukraine has launched an impressive assault on Moscow, deploying no fewer than 32 drones in what marks the most significant drone offensive against the Russian capital since the conflict erupted in 2022. This wave of drone activity necessitated diversions for flights at three key airports within the city, resulting in injuries to at least one individual.
According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, Russian air defenses successfully intercepted all 32 drones as they approached the capital, targeting areas in the Ramenskoye and Kolomensky districts as well as Domodedovo, which hosts one of Moscow’s busiest airports. “All 32 drones en route to Moscow have been neutralized,” Mr. Sobyanin confirmed. While the incident did not cause substantial damage, Russia’s federal air transport agency reported disrupted operations at Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovo airports.
Amidst the chaos, only one person suffered injuries.
Moscow, along with its vast surrounding area that boasts a population exceeding 21 million, ranks as one of Europe’s largest metropolitan regions, comparable to Istanbul in size.
Interestingly, the Ramenskoye district, located about 45 kilometers southeast of the Kremlin, previously experienced a drone attack in September—the largest at that time—resulting in the destruction of 20 drones by Russian defenses.
Unverified footage circulating on Russian Telegram channels showcased drones zigzagging through the sky, stirring both intrigue and concern.
Beyond Moscow, Russian officials reported numerous UAV assaults across other regions, including Kaluga, Bryansk, and Oryol, indicating a broader campaign.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, now in its second and a half year, is entering a critical phase, described by some authorities as potentially its final act. Rapid advances by Moscow’s forces have been noted, coinciding with the electoral victory of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States.
Trump, who will assume office in January, asserted during his campaign that he could pave the way for peace in Ukraine within a mere 24 hours, though specifics on his approach remain elusive. Following his electoral success, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reached out to Trump to offer congratulations—a call that reportedly included Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, who is known for supporting Trump and whose company, SpaceX, plays a pivotal role in providing crucial Starlink satellite communications for Ukraine’s defense.
In retaliation for relentless drone strikes from Russia, Kyiv has proactively launched counterstrikes targeting oil refineries, air bases, and even critical early-warning radar installations within Russia. Despite the front lines resembling the trench warfare of World War I for the majority of the conflict, the war’s most notable innovation has undoubtedly been the advent of drone warfare.
Both Moscow and Kyiv are racing to manufacture and deploy sophisticated drones, exploring novel methods to utilize these devices while devising strategies to neutralize them—some even employing farmers’ shotguns alongside advanced electronic countermeasures.
Moscow has established a complex network of electronic defenses over the city, reinforcing key locations with sophisticated multi-layered protection aimed at intercepting drones before they can reach the Kremlin’s heart. Both sides have transformed affordable commercial drones into lethal instruments, ramping up production to meet the demands of modern warfare. Soldiers from both factions have expressed dread at the mere sight of drones, while gruesome footage of devastating drone strikes has been weaponized for propaganda purposes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, keen on shielding Moscow from the harsh realities of ongoing warfare, labeled Ukrainian drone strikes targeting civilian infrastructures, such as nuclear facilities, as “terrorism,” pledging a retaliatory response.
On an economic front, Moscow, the wealthiest city in Russia, has experienced a boom amidst the war, driven by an unprecedented surge in defense spending not seen since the Cold War era. Interestingly, life in Moscow continues at a brisk pace; people leisurely stroll through the city’s boulevards, while the melodic chimes of onion-domed Orthodox church bells linger in the air.
In a sobering piece of information, the head of Britain’s armed forces recently shared that Russian troops endured their most catastrophic month for casualties since the war began nearly three years ago. An estimated average of 1,500 Russian soldiers were reported as either killed or injured daily in October, according to UK Chief of the Defence Staff Tony Radakin.
While the exact figures regarding Kremlin losses remain undisclosed, Radakin characterized October’s toll as the heaviest since Russia’s full-scale offensive initiated in February 2022. “Russia is approaching a staggering total of 700,000 casualties—an immense burden of grief and suffering directly tied to (President Vladimir) Putin’s ambitions,” he remarked.
He acknowledged that Russia is making minor territorial gains but emphasized that the losses suffered are “for minimal increments of land.” The British armed forces chief noted that Moscow allocates over 40 percent of public expenditure toward defense, straining the state’s resources.
As one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies, the United Kingdom has contributed billions in military aid, weapons, and training to support Kyiv in its battle against Russian encroachment. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine following Trump’s electoral win, which raised questions about the commitment of Western nations to sustain their backing for Ukraine.
Radakin echoed Starmer’s sentiment, assuring that the UK would stand by Ukraine for “as long as it takes,” providing a necessary reassurance to both President Zelensky and the broader Ukrainian populace about continued support against Russian aggression.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
