MOSCOW: More than 600 Ukrainian drones were launched towards the Moscow region overnight, with most intercepted, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. The reported attack came as the Russian capital hosted a Russia-Africa summit.
According to the Kremlin, leaders from 22 African countries attended the two-day meeting.
In a statement posted on Telegram early Thursday, Sobyanin said 613 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) flew towards the Moscow region between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
“Most were neutralised by the Defence Ministry’s air defence forces on the distant approaches. 231 drones were destroyed on the approach to Moscow,” he said.
The figures were reported by Russian authorities and have not been independently verified.
Ukraine Reports Russian Strikes
Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported overnight Russian strikes in several areas on Thursday.
One attack in the Rivne region killed a man, according to Ukrainian officials.
Both Russia and Ukraine have intensified drone and projectile attacks in recent months as the war continues.
Peace Talks Expected Next Month
Despite the escalation, Moscow and Kyiv are preparing to resume peace talks next month, with the United States expected to mediate the discussions.
The latest reported attack follows an earlier large-scale drone operation targeting the Moscow region.
Sobyanin said Ukraine launched around 1,600 drones towards the region in mid-September. He described that incident as the largest single-day attack of its kind since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The latest developments highlight the continued use of drones by both sides as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain ongoing.
