Moscow– Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed 337 Ukrainian drones across 10 regions overnight, marking what could be the largest Ukrainian drone assault on Russian territory in three years. The barrage, which resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, unfolded just hours before high-stakes talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials were set to commence in Saudi Arabia.
The ministry’s statement detailed that the majority of the drones—126—were neutralized over the Kursk region, near the Ukrainian border, where Kyiv’s forces hold partial control. An additional 91 were shot down over the Moscow region. Other affected areas included border regions like Belgorod, Bryansk, and Voronezh, as well as interior regions such as Kaluga, Lipetsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Oryol, and Ryazan. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that over 70 drones targeting the capital were downed en route.
The attack claimed one life and injured nine people in the Moscow region, according to Governor Andrei Vorobyov, with residential buildings and vehicles sustaining damage. In Lipetsk, a highway attack left another person wounded, said Governor Igor Artamonov. Sobyanin noted “insignificant” damage to a Moscow building’s roof, though footage from RIA Novosti revealed a charred facade on a multi-story residential structure.
The assault disrupted air and rail travel, with temporary flight restrictions imposed at six airports—Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky near Moscow, plus facilities in Yaroslavl and Nizhny Novgorod. Train services through the Domodedovo station were also briefly halted.
Local reports also cited drone interceptions in the Tula and Vladimir regions, though these were absent from the Defense Ministry’s official tally, raising questions about the full scope of the incident. Ukraine has yet to comment officially on the operation.
Timing Shadows Ukraine-U.S. Talks
The drone offensive coincided with a critical diplomatic moment, as a Ukrainian delegation prepared to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss pathways to ending the three-year conflict with Russia. The talks follow a contentious February 28 visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House, which sparked renewed diplomatic efforts.
Ukrainian officials hinted that Kyiv might propose a ceasefire encompassing the Black Sea and long-range missile activities, alongside prisoner releases.
Key Points:
- Massive Drone Attack: Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting 337 Ukrainian drones across 10 regions overnight on March 11, 2025, potentially the largest Ukrainian drone assault on Russia in three years.
- Regions Affected: Most drones (126) were downed over Kursk, near Ukraine, with 91 over the Moscow region. Other regions included Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kaluga, Lipetsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Oryol, and Ryazan.
- Casualties and Damage: One person was killed and nine injured in the Moscow region, with residential buildings and cars damaged. Another injury occurred in Lipetsk. Minor damage was reported to a Moscow building.
- Moscow Defense: Over 70 drones targeting the capital were shot down, according to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
- Travel Disruptions: Six airports, including Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo, faced temporary flight restrictions. Train traffic through Domodedovo station was briefly halted.
- Additional Regions: Drones were downed in Tula and Vladimir, though not mentioned in the Defense Ministry’s statement.
- Diplomatic Context: The attack occurred hours before Ukraine-U.S. talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aimed at ending the three-year war. Ukrainian proposals may include a Black Sea ceasefire and a rare earth minerals deal with the U.S.
- U.S. Stance: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, leading the U.S. delegation, emphasized listening to Ukraine’s terms without setting preconditions, with a minerals deal under consideration but not finalized.
