Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow, coinciding with US-Ukrainian peace talks. The assault involved 337 drones, resulted in two deaths, and disrupted air travel. Ukrainian officials advocate for a ceasefire, highlighting the attack’s significance as a signal to President Putin amid ongoing military strategies.
Ukraine has executed its largest drone assault on Moscow since the onset of the war, coinciding with significant peace discussions between US and Ukrainian delegates in Saudi Arabia. According to the Russian defense ministry, a total of 337 drones were deployed overnight, 91 of which aimed at the Moscow region, resulting in two fatalities, sparking fires, and disrupting air and rail travel.
A Ukrainian official indicated that the drone offensive should motivate President Vladimir Putin to consider an aerial ceasefire suggested by Kyiv. Andriy Kovalenko, a national security council member tasked with countering misinformation, stated, “The largest drone attack in history was carried out on Moscow and the Moscow region,” viewing it as a crucial signal for Putin regarding the ceasefire proposal.
The Russian health ministry confirmed two deaths and 18 injuries from the strikes in the Moscow region, while Mayor Sergei Sobyanin labeled the assault as the most extensive drone attack on the capital to date. All four of Moscow’s airports were temporarily closed, with additional closures in the Yaroslavl and Nizhny Novgorod regions due to safety concerns.
Images of damage caused by the drones were circulated by Russian state media, highlighting a destroyed apartment complex in Ramenskoye and devastation to a car park in Domodedovo, where two security personnel were killed and numerous vehicles were damaged. Russian officials frequently assert that intercepting drones resulted in collateral damage unrelated to military targets.
The drone attack marks a significant point in Ukraine’s ongoing retaliation against Russian air strikes, particularly as Kyiv strives to convey its resolve ahead of peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently visited Saudi Arabia, aiming to enhance relations with the US and seek favorable terms to conclude the conflict.
As the US reduces military assistance, Ukraine is increasingly reliant on its burgeoning drone industry and domestic artillery manufacturing for defense. Both nations have made advancements in UAV technology, with Ukraine establishing a dedicated drone command and reaching targets deep within Russia, including critical military infrastructure and resources.
Reports suggest that Ukraine utilized its latest An-126 Liutyi (Fierce) drones for the strikes. Concurrently, Ukraine launched over 100 drones at the Kursk region, where Russian forces have made territorial gains following Kyiv’s previous incursion. Maria Zakharova from the Russian foreign ministry remarked that the substantial drone assault reflects a perceived shift in the battlefield advantage favoring Russian forces.
The recent extensive drone offensive by Ukraine on Moscow represents a bold escalation in the ongoing conflict, aiming to signal a potential shift toward negotiations. With significant operational developments and strategic use of UAV technology, Ukraine seeks to maintain pressure on Russian forces while addressing its geopolitical relationships. As Ukraine’s reliance on domestic drone capabilities increases in the absence of US support, the dynamics of the conflict continue to evolve, underscoring the complex interplay between military actions and diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
