Moscow Endures Second Consecutive Day of Drone Attacks
Moscow is experiencing a second consecutive day of drone assaults, with multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) approaching the Russian capital from various directions. Ukrainian defense advisor Serhiy Sternenko stated, “Moscow is under attack again. Drones are heading towards the Russian capital, and a mass attack is underway.”
Numerous images and videos circulating on social media illustrate the ongoing drone strikes targeting Moscow.
The monitoring channel Exilenova+ reported that in response to yesterday’s extensive drone assault, Russian forces have deployed an array of defense systems to Moscow. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the city has mobilized all available resources capable of intercepting UAVs.
One video shared online shows a drone colliding with a construction crane, prompting commentary that “the cranes are intercepting more than the ‘Pantsirs,'” referring to Russian air defense systems.
Reports confirm that swarms of drones are indeed directed towards Moscow, heightening concerns over the city’s vulnerability amidst the ongoing conflict.
Context
- The drone strike on Moscow during the night of June 18 was the most significant since the conflict began. Ukrainian UAV commander Robert Brodiy stated that it was the third time this month Ukrainian forces targeted the Moscow oil refinery, which was reportedly damaged significantly.
- The refinery is located approximately 15 km from the Kremlin. Following the attack, Red Square was closed off, and machine gunners were positioned on the Kremlin towers.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that the retaliatory strike against the Moscow oil refinery was justified, responding to Russian attacks on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. He noted that Putin is weakening both politically and militarily, suggesting that Russia may increase its aerial assaults on Ukraine.
