Ukraine launches biggest drone attack on Moscow
What's the story
Ukraine has launched a massive early morning drone attack on Moscow, killing at least one person and injuring several others. The attack also forced the temporary closure of airports and damaged residential buildings. This is the largest operation against Moscow in months. The attack comes as Ukraine prepares to present a partial ceasefire proposal to the US during talks on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia.
Strike details
Details of the drone strike
The drone attack started at 4:00am local time and caused damage to seven apartments in a residential building in the Ramenskoye district of the Moscow region. Russia's Ministry of Defence said their air defenses intercepted 337 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 91 over the Moscow region. Following the assaults, Russia's aviation authority Rosaviatsia announced flight restrictions at four Moscow airports: Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky, and Sheremetyevo.
Airports impacted
Airports and flights affected by drone attack
To shoot down drones, Russia has developed a network of electronic "umbrellas" over Moscow and important installations, as well as advanced interior layers over strategic buildings. Kyiv, which has also been the subject of multiple mass drone strikes by Russian forces, has attempted to retaliate against its eastern neighbor by targeting oil refineries, airfields, and even Russian strategic early-warning radar facilities.
Ceasefire discussions
US-Ukraine talks to focus on ceasefire proposal
The upcoming ceasefire meeting in Saudi is the highest-level meeting with Kyiv officials since a contentious White House meeting on February 28. During that meeting, President Donald Trump publicly berated Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for perceived ingratitude toward US military aid. Since then, Washington suspended military aid, intelligence sharing, and access to satellite imagery to push Kyiv to negotiations.