Ukraine Launches Over 1,000 Drone Attacks On Russia, Moscow Oil Refinery Hit

Ukraine launched more than 1,000 drone attacks on Russia, including a major strike on Moscow that reportedly hit a key oil refinery during the third and final day of Russia’s ongoing parliamentary elections.

The attack triggered a massive fire at the refinery, while explosions were reportedly heard across the area. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed the attack, although there have been varying claims about the casualties in the incident. At least two people have been killed and six injured in the Moscow region, Governor Andrei Vorobyev has said. Russian officials have directly accused Ukraine of being behind the attack.

Zelensky Hints At Ukraine’s Long-Range Operation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indirectly confirmed the operation, saying Ukraine’s long-range military action in the Moscow region had significant consequences for Russia.

Zelenskyy said the operation targeted a key Russian oil industry and logistics centre that financially supports the country’s military. He also said advanced drone systems were used in the operation.

Attack Comes During Russia’s Parliamentary Elections

The drone strikes took place on the final day of Russia’s parliamentary elections. These are the first parliamentary elections in the country since the war with Ukraine began in February 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has presented the election as a test of public support for the war. The ruling United Russia party is expected to remain dominant, while economic pressure and war fatigue have raised concerns over possible support for opposition parties.

Russia also reported attempts to carry out cyberattacks on its online voting system during the elections.

Mayor Sobyanin said a drone had struck a building near one of the capital’s boulevards and a facility at an oil refinery was damaged in “an attempt to disrupt” Russia’s parliamentary election.

Russian state media reported that an election official was one of two people killed by a drone attack on a bus in a Moscow-controlled part of Kherson in Ukraine on Sunday, citing the head of Russia’s election commission.

Moscow Airports Face Temporary Restrictions

Moscow’s biggest airport Sheremetyevo warned passengers that “temporary restrictions” were in place overnight, while at the capital’s Vnukovo airport all arrivals and departures were halted. Restrictions at both airports were lifted by Sunday morning, but each warned some flights may still be delayed.

Tensions Rise Amid Ongoing War

The attack during the election period has further heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine and added to concerns over security in Russia.

Russia has tightened security amid its confrontation with the West, while Ukraine has dismissed the Russian election as a “sham election”.

Security forces are assessing the damage caused by the drone attacks, with questions remaining over the casualties and the wider political impact of the strikes.