Russia said it was targeted by a large-scale Ukrainian drone assault overnight Tuesday, just hours before crucial discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials commenced.
Moscow’s defense ministry reported downing 343 drones allegedly launched by Ukraine, including 91 targeting the Moscow region. Officials also said six Ukrainian strike drones were intercepted near Russia’s Kursk nuclear power plant. If confirmed, the attack would mark one of the most significant aerial strikes on Russian soil since the start of the war.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the incident as the “most massive” attack on the capital, reporting damage to buildings caused by falling debris. Authorities said three people were killed and at least six others injured. Moscow Region Governor Andrey Vorobyev stated that debris ignited a fire in a parking lot, destroying more than 20 vehicles.
Ukraine’s Armed Forces claimed responsibility for striking the Moscow Oil Refinery’s production facilities, alleging that Russian air defense operations led to collateral damage on civilian infrastructure.
Geolocated footage verified by CNN showed an explosion at an apartment building in southern Moscow. The attack prompted the temporary closure of two major Moscow airports and additional airports east of the city, forcing flight diversions, according to state-run news agency TASS.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Air Force reported repelling Russian missile and drone attacks overnight. According to Ukrainian officials, at least one person was killed and 18 injured in the strikes.
The escalation comes as U.S. and Ukrainian delegations convene in Saudi Arabia for discussions on military aid and conflict resolution. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz are meeting with Ukraine’s national security adviser, foreign minister, and defense minister.
“We will protect Ukrainian interests, have a clear vision of ending the war, and work effectively with our American partners,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak stated.
Ahead of the talks, Rubio emphasized the U.S. aim to assess potential concessions Ukraine may consider in negotiations with Russia. The outcome of the discussions could influence whether Washington resumes full intelligence-sharing and military aid to Kyiv.
CNN previously reported that while the U.S. continues to share intelligence for Ukraine’s defense, it has scaled back details that could be used for offensive strikes on Russian forces.
Fighting has intensified in recent weeks amid strained U.S.-Ukraine relations, following a heated Oval Office exchange between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelensky.
Russia launched a major aerial assault on Ukraine over the weekend, killing more than two dozen people, according to Ukrainian authorities. Additional strikes between Sunday and Monday claimed six more civilian lives.
Ukraine’s foothold in Russia’s Kursk region is diminishing, with Russian advances posing a threat to Kyiv’s territorial leverage at a critical stage in the conflict.
Tuesday’s reported drone assault on Moscow appears to surpass Ukraine’s previous largest attack on the capital in November, when 34 drones were shot down. In September, Russia claimed to have destroyed at least 20 Ukrainian drones near Moscow in an attack that left one person dead and forced airport closures.
