Ukraine has executed its largest drone strike on Moscow to date, according to Russian officials. The attack, which targeted the Russian capital and surrounding regions, involved dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles.
As reported by Knewz, the Russian Ministry of Defence claims to have successfully intercepted all incoming drones. The assault reportedly involved 45 drones in total, with 11 shot down near Moscow and 34 in four other regions, including Bryansk on the Ukraine-Russia border.
Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, described the incident as the most significant attempt on the country's administrative center since the beginning of Russia's military operation in Ukraine.
Ukraine's Intelligence Chief Confirms Attack Details
Ukraine's military intelligence division has taken responsibility for the drone barrage. Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of Ukraine's military intelligence, provided specific details about the operation.
According to Budanov, 50 drones were deployed in the attack. The primary targets included a signals intelligence center near Moscow and the nearby Ostafyevo airport. Additionally, the Millerovo military airbase in the Rostov region, which borders Ukraine, was also targeted.
Despite the scale of the attack, Russian authorities have reported no significant damage from the drone strikes. This claim, however, has not been independently verified.
Concurrent Border Incursion Attempts Reported
Alongside the drone attacks, reports have emerged of attempted border incursions by Ukrainian forces. These incidents have added another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Russian military bloggers and media outlets have reported clashes near the northern Chernihiv region. The governor of Russia's Kursk region, Alexander Bogomaz, confirmed an encounter with what he described as a "sabotage and reconnaissance group."
Bogomaz stated: "The situation at the site of the clash has been stabilized and is under the control of the regional operational headquarters."
Conflicting Accounts Of Border Skirmishes Emerge
Various sources have provided differing accounts of the alleged border incursions, with discrepancies in the reported size of the attacking forces and the nature of the encounters.
One Telegram channel, "Two Majors," described the Ukrainian attackers as a "small group of saboteurs" confronted by Chechen fighters and border guards. In contrast, Russian military correspondent Yuri Kotenok claimed the Ukrainian element was a "reinforced company tactical group."
Another report from Mash Media suggested that the incursion attempts occurred twice within an hour. Their account claimed a much larger force of 200 men and three armored vehicles.
Ukraine's Response And Ongoing Conflict
As of now, Ukrainian officials have not commented on the alleged border incursion attempts. The focus remains on the confirmed drone strikes against Moscow and other Russian regions.
These events unfold as Ukraine continues its efforts to fortify and expand its position in the Kursk region. The escalation in drone attacks and reported border clashes underscore the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
In conclusion, the large-scale drone attack on Moscow marks a significant escalation in Ukraine's offensive capabilities. While Russian officials claim to have intercepted all incoming drones, the attack's scope and reach into the heart of Russia's capital city demonstrate the evolving nature of the conflict. The simultaneous reports of border skirmishes further complicate the situation, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the ongoing war between the two nations.
