Ukraine stages major drone assault on Moscow as Russian election concludes

Moscow reported repelling one of the most significant Ukrainian drone assaults on the Russian capital as voting concluded in three-day parliamentary elections across the country. The Russian defence ministry claimed its air defences destroyed multiple unmanned aircraft approaching Moscow, though independent verification of the claims remained unavailable.

The timing of the attack coincided with the final voting day of Russia's State Duma elections, a closely watched political event in the country. Ukrainian forces have intensified their use of long-range drones to strike targets deep within Russian territory in recent months, shifting the conflict's character as traditional frontline battles continue in eastern Ukraine.

The assault underscored the expanding scope of the war beyond ground combat, with both sides increasingly targeting strategic locations and infrastructure far from active battle zones. Russia has similarly conducted extensive drone and missile campaigns against Ukrainian cities and energy facilities throughout the conflict.

Neither side has provided detailed casualty figures or damage assessments from the reported attack. The incident represents the latest in a series of escalations that have seen Ukrainian strikes reach Moscow and other major Russian cities despite Moscow's air defence systems.