Andrea Innocenti During the early hours of the night between Saturday and Sunday, the Russian capital was subjected to a massive drone attack . Air defense forces said they intercepted more than 1.600 drones coming from various directions, 450 of which were specifically directed toward Moscow. The toll on the ground was at least two dead—a 44-year-old woman and an elderly man—and approximately 400 people were forced to flee their homes due to a fire sparked by the crash of a plane into a building.
Details of the Moscow attack: counts, casualties, and evacuations
The city's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, announced on Telegram that his defense lines had shot down 186 drones within the city limits. Meanwhile, Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyev said that the entire metropolitan area had neutralized 249 drones.
The difference between the two numbers reflects the extent of the operation, which affected both urban and suburban areas, causing damage in several residential neighborhoods.
Evacuations and immediate consequences
A third affected area required the evacuation of 400 residents following a fire that threatened the safety of the neighborhood.
The authorities have activated all emergency protocols, with fire brigade units committed to putting out the flames and ensuring the protection of the population.
Impact on critical infrastructure: refinery and airports
Among the damaged facilities, the Moscow oil refinery suffered a significant blow: an internal plant was severely damaged, although authorities did not immediately report any further casualties. This attack once again highlights the vulnerability of strategic infrastructure in wartime.
In the transportation sector, two of the four airports serving the capital suspended operations due to the air threat and the damage sustained. The closures limited air traffic and hindered the arrival of reinforcements and logistical aid, increasing the pressure on local authorities.
The electoral context: voting on the night of the attack
Despite the crisis, authorities urged citizens to vote on the third and final day of parliamentary elections . Sobyanin called the operation "unprecedented" and claimed that the attack was planned to disrupt the electoral process . According to the mayor, the enemy failed in its intent, as voting proceeded according to schedule.
Election authorities ensured the safety of polling stations, with additional security measures and the presence of law enforcement to manage any disturbances. Indeed, popular participation was seen as a sign of resilience against external pressure.