- Ukraine launched a mass drone strike on Moscow, the largest since 2022, involving about 1,600 drones, with 450 aimed directly at the capital, according to Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
- An overnight Russian attack on the Kyiv region killed four people, including three children, according to Kyiv regional authorities.
- The Kremlin has vowed to intensify strikes on Ukraine after accusing it of trying to disrupt its state election with the largest drone attack of the war so far.
- Russia's defence ministry reported that it shot down a total of 1,110 Ukrainian drones across Russia, Crimea, and the Black Sea.
- Monday's initial results showed United Russia comfortably ahead with 57.5% of the vote.
- The election follows a summer of Ukraine's long-range drone strikes on oil refineries that triggered a widespread fuel crisis, exacerbating economic problems.
- Russia's exiled opposition, including the widow of Alexei Navalny, Yulia Navalnaya, called on anti-war Russians to cast their votes at noon on Sunday, with thousands participating in Armenia.
The Kremlin has vowed to intensify strikes on Kyiv in retaliation for Ukraine's largest drone attack on Moscow, which involved approximately 1,600 drones. Moscow's mayor reported that 450 drones targeted the capital directly, leading to casualties and damage.13
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the drone strikes, stating, “Our long-range responses had a very significant impact in the Moscow region last night.” The attack coincided with the final day of Russia's parliamentary elections, where United Russia led with 57.5% of the vote, despite allegations of election manipulation and a backdrop of ongoing conflict.5
The Russian defense ministry reported that its forces shot down 1,110 Ukrainian drones across Russia, including in Crimea and the Black Sea. In response to the drone attacks, the ministry stated, “In response to the Kyiv regime’s attacks on civilian targets within Russia, the Russian army will continue and intensify its high-accuracy strikes against military targets in Kyiv.”4
The election was framed by the Kremlin as a test of support for its war in Ukraine, even as critics highlighted the lack of genuine dissent. The attacks have exacerbated economic issues and brought the war closer to Russian civilians, with significant damage reported to oil refineries and online retail warehouses.
As the conflict escalates, the situation remains tense, with civilian casualties reported on both sides, including four deaths in Kyiv from a Russian attack and two fatalities in the Moscow region.
“The drone strike involved about 1,600 drones, with 450 aimed at the capital, according to Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin, and killed two people in the wider Moscow region. Separately, an overnight Russian attack on the Kyiv region killed four people, including three children, as exiled opposition leader Yulia Navalnaya urged anti-war Russians to vote at noon.”
The Guardian
The Independent
