Russian authorities say about 650 drones were launched at the Moscow region overnight, with Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reporting most intercepted and 105 brought down near Moscow. Independent verification of Moscow's figures is not yet available. The Kyiv Independent, citing eyewitnesses, says an oil facility about 40 km from the capital was targeted. Separately, Russian aerial bombs struck Kharkiv, killing at least six people and injuring 59.
Russian Officials Say About 650 Drones Launched At Moscow Region Overnight
FILE PHOTO - Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin speaks at his inauguration ceremony. (is associated with: «Mayor: Ukraine attacks Moscow region with 650 drones») -/Kremlin/dpa
Russian officials said early on Tuesday that roughly 650 drones were launched at the Moscow region overnight, in what Moscow authorities described as a large-scale attack on territory near the capital.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on Telegram that air defences intercepted most of the unmanned aircraft at long range and that 105 drones were shot down as they approached the city.
"Most were destroyed by air defences at long range," Sobyanin said, according to his Telegram post.
Authorities initially reported no damage or injuries, but the figures released by Moscow could not be independently verified. If accurate, the numbers would point to a major Ukrainian strike deep inside Russian-held territory.
The Kyiv Independent, citing eyewitnesses, reported that an oil production facility about 40 kilometres from Moscow was among the sites targeted. Ukraine has repeatedly struck at elements of Russia's oil infrastructure to curb energy exports that help fund Moscow's war effort.
For more than four and a half years, Ukraine — backed by Western support — has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion and has periodically launched strikes deep inside Russian territory as part of its defence. Russia, meanwhile, continues to carry out systematic drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, causing civilian casualties and widespread damage.
On Monday, officials in Kharkiv said at least six people were killed by Russian aerial bombs and investigators reported 59 people were injured as rescuers searched the rubble of a residential building for possible further victims.
These developments underscore the persistent cross-border nature of the conflict and the heavy civilian toll on both sides. Independent confirmation of the scale and targets of the reported drone launch remains pending.
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