Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Attack on Moscow Amid Elections

Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on Moscow and surrounding areas on the final day of Russia’s parliamentary elections. Russian authorities said more than 1,000 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across the country, while Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the assault as the largest drone attack yet on the Russian capital. He alleged that the attack was planned to disrupt the elections but said the attempt failed. A section of the Moscow oil refinery and a residential building were damaged. Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov said two people were killed and 20 others were injured.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s long-range strikes targeted key Russian oil and logistics facilities that generate significant revenue for the country. Meanwhile, Russia continued its aerial attacks on Ukraine. Local authorities said a Russian drone strike in the Kyiv region killed four civilians, including three children. Zelenskyy also said Russia had launched more than 2,000 attack drones, 1,700 aerial bombs and 19 missiles against Ukraine during the week.

Russia’s parliamentary elections were held from September 18 to 20, marking the country’s first parliamentary election since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The election covered all 450 seats in the State Duma, the lower house of parliament. The ruling United Russia party was expected to retain its dominance. The parliamentary election does not determine the presidency. Vladimir Putin won another six-year presidential term in 2024, meaning his current term runs until 2030.