Ukraine initiated a fresh wave of drone attacks on Russia on Sunday, coinciding with the final day of a presidential vote in Russia expected to secure President Vladimir Putin's rule for another six years. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that 35 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight, with four in the Moscow region. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed no casualties or damage resulting from the attacks.
Additional drone incursions were reported over the Kaluga and Yaroslavl regions near Moscow, with the latter marking one of the farthest points reached by Ukrainian drones, approximately 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The Defense Ministry disclosed that more drones were intercepted over regions bordering Ukraine, including Belgorod, Kursk, Rostov, and the southern Krasnodar region.
These recent attacks follow a series of previous drone raids and assaults by Ukraine, prompting Putin to denounce them as attempts to intimidate residents and disrupt Russia's ongoing presidential election. Putin vowed retaliation, emphasizing the unity and resolve of the Russian people in the face of such provocations.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine enters its third year, Russian forces have made gradual advances along the front line, leveraging their superior firepower. In response, Ukraine has intensified drone attacks deep into Russian territory and conducted cross-border raids.
On a recent incident, two individuals lost their lives and three others sustained injuries in Ukrainian shelling of the Russian city of Belgorod, which has been a frequent target of attacks. The Russian military also claimed to have thwarted a separate cross-border incursion by Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups.
Furthermore, the Russian Volunteer Corps, comprising Russians fighting alongside Ukrainian forces, released a video alleging the capture of 25 Russian soldiers. However, the veracity of this claim remains unverified.
Incidents of cross-border aggression in the region have been sporadic since the conflict's inception, often clouded by conflicting narratives, disinformation, and propaganda.
