Andrea Innocenti Between 6:00 PM on November 12 and 8:00 AM on November 13, air defense forces faced a massive wave of drones targeting the Moscow region. The author of the data, the mayor of the capital, confirmed that 467 unmanned units were launched, most of which were neutralized far from the city center.
Interception of 467 drones in the Moscow region
The Ministry of Defense used its air defense systems to target aircraft in flight. According to a statement from Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, 144 drones were neutralized as they approached the Moscow perimeter. In total, authorities reported the interception of 13 aircraft: the first seven were intercepted initially, with another six detected shortly thereafter.
Rescue teams intervened to collect fallen debris and ensure safety at the landing sites.
Effects on air traffic
The Russian Civil Aviation Authority temporarily restricted operations at Moscow's airports, a measure lifted a few hours later due to the rapid recovery of the situation. The incident demonstrates how Russia's strategic rearguard is now more vulnerable than ever before.
Ukraine repel massive drone and missile offensive
In parallel, Ukraine has been subjected to a large-scale attack launched from regions such as Kursk, Rostov, Voronezh, and Orel. The toll includes Zircon anti-ship missiles and Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles , used primarily against the provinces of Zaporizhia and Kiev. In addition to the missiles, approximately 120 Shahed -type attack drones , many jet-powered, were deployed , accompanied by Gerbera drones and Parodiya aerial decoys . Launch units also include occupied Crimea, the Donetsk region, and other areas of Donbas.
The Ukrainian Air Force countered the assault with the use of aircraft, anti-aircraft systems, electronic warfare units, and mobile teams of the defense forces. A preliminary count indicates that 98 drones of various models were shot down or disabled in various parts of the country, with impacts recorded in 21 locations and debris falling in five others.
Statements by Volodymyr Zelensky on the role of North Korea
In his evening address to the nation, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Russia no longer possesses a secure strategic rearguard and is seeking support from North Korea to compensate. Zelensky stated: "For the first time, Russia cannot wage war without reinforcements from North Korea. It is preparing the arrival of additional North Korean contingents and has already received ballistic missiles from North Korea."
The president also warned that greater North Korean involvement would increase the risk for East Asian countries, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the Philippines. His words emphasize the need for joint action among allies to strengthen air defense and limit Russia's ability to use North Korean weapons.