Russia claims to have intercepted nearly 300 Ukrainian drones overnight in one of the most extensive cross-border assaults since the start of the war, escalating tensions and disrupting air traffic in the capital.
The Russian Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down 296 drones across 12 regions, including the Moscow area. The barrage, which began late Tuesday and continued into Wednesday morning, marked another high-intensity phase in the ongoing drone war between the two nations.
Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov confirmed that at least 42 drones were destroyed over the capital’s surrounding areas. In Chekhov, a town located about 40 miles south of Moscow, three homes were reported damaged. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
The attack also affected operations at Sheremetyevo International Airport, one of Moscow’s four main air hubs. Airport authorities issued warnings about flight delays due to temporary airspace restrictions. Disruptions at Moscow’s airports have become increasingly common amid repeated Ukrainian drone attacks in recent weeks.
Ukraine’s Counter-Disinformation Center chief, Andriy Kovalenko, indicated that the strikes were not random. Writing on Telegram, he described “some pretty good hits,” naming several high-value industrial targets.
Among them was the Dubna Machine-Building Plant, located roughly 70 miles north of Moscow. The facility is known for its role in manufacturing aviation, missile, and drone components. Another targeted site was the ELMA Technopark in Zelenograd, a center for developing microelectronics, IT systems, robotics, and medical equipment. According to Kovalenko, the complex also plays a critical role in Russia’s efforts to replace Western-imported technology.
Meanwhile, Russia continued its own wave of long-range assaults on Ukraine overnight. Ukraine’s air force said Moscow launched six missiles and 88 attack drones, 71 of which were shot down or otherwise neutralized. The remaining strikes impacted at least eight locations across Ukraine, the air force added.
The intensity of attacks on both sides has escalated since President Donald Trump returned to office in January. Trump had promised to end the war within 24 hours of taking office — a pledge that remains unfulfilled. Recent weeks have reportedly seen growing frustration within the White House over the collapse of U.S.-led ceasefire efforts.
In a social media post on Sunday, Trump referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as “absolutely crazy.” He followed up on Tuesday by asserting, “If it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia. He’s playing with fire!”
Both Ukraine and the U.S. are currently awaiting a peace memorandum promised by Putin during a recent phone call with Trump. Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed on Tuesday that the document is still in preparation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about the promise. “They’ve already spent over a week on this,” he posted on social media. “They talk a lot about diplomacy. But at the same time, there are constant Russian strikes, constant killings, relentless assaults, and even preparations for new offensives.”
As both nations intensify their military campaigns, prospects for a ceasefire remain increasingly uncertain.
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