Moscow has reported that approximately 45 unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed in the immediate vicinity of the city, according to Mayor Sergey Sobyanin. The mayor stated that while the majority of incoming drones were intercepted by Russian air defenses outside the Moscow region, dozens managed to penetrate closer and were neutralized without causing damage.
Earlier in the day, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed intercepting nearly 350 fixed-wing kamikaze drones across Russia, including over the Black Sea and Azov Sea.
This escalation follows Ukrainian President Zelensky’s announcement in late June of a 40-day pressure campaign against Russia. The campaign involves long-range strikes and clandestine operations targeting Russian economic infrastructure, leading to increased attacks on energy facilities and maritime traffic presumed to carry Russian oil, as well as civilian sites.
Moscow has characterized these Ukrainian actions as indiscriminate “terrorist attacks” intended to distract from military setbacks on the frontlines. Russia maintains that it targets only dual-use and military industrial sites in Ukraine, avoiding purely civilian infrastructure.
Zelensky’s decision to launch this campaign is condemned for its reckless escalation of hostilities and disregard for civilian safety.
