The war between Russia and Ukraine has reached a new level of intensity, with both sides exchanging an unprecedented number of drone attacks over the weekend. On Saturday night, Russia launched a record-breaking 145 drones, marking the largest single-night drone assault of the conflict, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Many of these drones were Shahed UAVs, low-cost, one-way attack drones that follow pre-programmed flight paths toward their targets.
“During the past week, Russia has used more than 800 guided aerial bombs, around 600 strike drones, and nearly 20 missiles of various types,” Zelensky reported on Sunday.
The Ukrainian Air Force Command confirmed that 62 of the drones were shot down by Ukrainian air defenses as of Sunday morning. In total, 67 drones lost locator signals across various regions, while 10 left Ukrainian airspace toward Moldova, Belarus, and Russia.
Meanwhile, Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow since the war began. The Russian Ministry of Defense (MOD) stated that 34 drones were directed at the capital overnight. Russian air defenses intercepted all the UAVs over Moscow’s Ramenskoye, Kolomna, and Domodedovo regions.
The attacks caused significant disruptions in Moscow, with shrapnel from downed drones setting two houses ablaze in Ramenskoye. A 52-year-old woman sustained burns and is currently in intensive care, Moscow region Governor Andrey Vorobyov said.
The drone strikes also forced temporary flight restrictions at Moscow’s Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports. According to Russia’s federal air transport agency, flights were halted from 8 a.m. and resumed after 10 a.m.
This marks the largest drone assault on Moscow since September, when 20 Ukrainian drones were intercepted, leading to one fatality and widespread disruptions at Moscow’s airports.
The escalation underscores the growing role of drone warfare as both sides seek to gain a strategic edge in the protracted conflict.
Key Points:
- Record Drone Attacks: Russia launched 145 drones against Ukraine on Saturday night, the largest single-night drone assault of the war.
- Shahed Drones Used: Many of the drones were Shahed UAVs, low-cost, one-way attack drones.
- Ukrainian Air Defenses Respond: Ukrainian forces shot down 62 drones; others lost locator signals or left Ukrainian airspace.
- Ukraine Targets Moscow: Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow, with 34 drones directed at the capital.
- Russian Air Defenses Activated: All Ukrainian drones were intercepted, but shrapnel caused fires in two houses and injured one woman.
- Airport Disruptions: Drone activity temporarily halted flights at Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports in Moscow.
- Previous Largest Attack: The last major drone assault on Moscow occurred in September, involving 20 drones and causing significant disruptions.
