Ukrainian Drones Target Moscow: High-Rise Buildings Damaged Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukrainian drones targeted at least two residential buildings in and around Moscow overnight, according to reports from Russian media on Thursday, while officials attempted to minimize the reported damage.

Moscow’s Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, stated that air defense systems had intercepted three drones aimed at the city. He noted on Telegram, “There were no significant damages or injuries.”

Nevertheless, images released by Telegram news channels revealed the burned exterior of a high-rise residential building in the Troparyovo-Nikulino District of southwestern Moscow. This building is situated approximately 800 meters (0.5 miles) from Russia’s Military Academy of the General Staff, as per reports.

Another video depicted a drone crashing into the upper floor of a high-rise in Odintsovo, a town located to the west of Moscow and near the Skolkovo technology hub.

Flight operations at Vnukovo International Airport, which is southwest of the city, were temporarily halted but resumed after over an hour.

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported it had shot down 48 Ukrainian drones across six regions overnight, including Moscow and the annexed territory of Crimea.

In the last two weeks, both Russia and Ukraine have significantly increased air assaults, despite having resumed direct negotiations earlier this month. On Monday, the Defense Ministry claimed it had destroyed 2,331 Ukrainian drones within a week and accused Kyiv of attempting to undermine the peace talks.