Ukraine Launches Big Drone Attack on Russia, Killing Four

Ukraine carried out one of its largest drone assaults against Russian territory, striking homes and infrastructure near Moscow and killing four people. The attack hit a house in Khimki, a town northwest of the capital, and two men in Pogorelki, a village just north of Moscow. A drone also struck a truck in the Belgorov region, killing another victim. In Moscow itself, about twelve people were wounded, mainly near the entrance of a major oil refinery. The refinery’s equipment remained intact, and the city’s airport, Sheremetyevo, reported debris falling on its grounds but no damage or flight disruptions. Russian air defenses shot down 81 drones aimed at Moscow and a total of 556 over the country that night, according to state reports.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the drones flew more than 500 kilometres from Ukraine and that the country was “overcoming” Russian air defence. He framed the strike as a justified response to recent attacks on Ukrainian cities and a warning that Russia must end its war. Experts view the operation as retaliation for Russian strikes on Kyiv and a way to bring the conflict closer to Russian civilians. One analyst noted that the attacks could heighten anxiety among Russians, especially after Russia’s recent military setbacks and economic strain. The strikes also target oil facilities to cut Moscow’s revenue, though the financial impact remains uncertain. Russia’s own drone offensive against Ukraine that same night involved 287 drones, with most being intercepted. The attacks wounded eight people in central Ukraine and damaged residential buildings.