Russian authorities report that hundreds of drones are launched toward Moscow and the surrounding region on Sunday, the final day of Russia’s parliamentary election. Moscow’s mayor says more than 1,600 drones are intercepted and shot down, including 450 aimed at or approaching the capital. Local officials also say at least two people die and an oil refinery in Moscow is damaged, with residents reporting blasts and visible smoke.
All outlets frame the attack as part of the wider war context involving Ukraine and Russia. Moscow officials accuse Ukraine of attempting to disrupt the vote. Multiple sources describe the drone strike as the biggest ever against the Russian capital, and they link it to President Vladimir Putin’s characterization of the election as a test of support for his war in Ukraine. Other outlets note that there is no immediate public comment from Ukraine. The reports do not provide independent confirmation of the drone campaign’s intent or the extent of refinery damage beyond official statements.
Despite differences in phrasing, the accounts converge on the timing (the last day of voting), the scale of reported interceptions, reported casualties, and the struck refinery site.
